From phytochemistry to biomaterials: curcumin-based scaffolds in wound management

Abstract Curcumin, a bioactive compound in turmeric, has garnered considerable interest for its extensive bioactive potential. In addition to its well-documented anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, curcumin has shown promise in wound healing. However, its low bioavailability, limited retention at the wound site, and fast metabolic breakdown have hindered its therapeutic use. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have addressed these challenges by developing curcumin-based nanoformulations that increase the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of these formulations. In wound management, both native and structurally modified curcumin have been shown to accelerate tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Furthermore, curcumin-based nanocarriers exhibit potent antibacterial activity, contributing to improved healing outcomes. The integration of curcumin into nanotechnology-driven delivery systems has thus emerged as a promising strategy to maximize its therapeutic potential. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on how nanoformulation strategies such as polymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions, liposomes, hydrogels, and metal-curcumin complexes systematically overcome curcumin’s physicochemical constraints. Specifically, we delineate patterns in nanocarrier design that directly enhance curcumin’s therapeutic activity, including improved solubility, prolonged release kinetics, deeper skin penetration, enhanced antioxidant response, and targeted delivery for diabetic and infected wounds. By critically mapping these mechanistic improvements with evidence from clinical, in vitro, and in vivo studies, this review provides a consolidated framework that clarifies how nanocarrier engineering elevates curcumin from a biologically potent molecule to a clinically viable wound-healing agent. We further evaluate translational challenges, including large-scale fabrication, regulatory approval, and clinical validation, while emphasizing the future directions needed to optimize curcumin nanotherapeutics for routine wound-care applications.