Research Advances in Therapeutic Strategies and Drug Delivery Systems for Pathological Scars

TL;DR

This review discusses new drug delivery methods to improve treatment of harmful scars caused by abnormal healing.

Contribution

The paper highlights advances in biomaterial-based drug delivery systems for treating pathological scars.

Findings

Traditional treatments for pathological scars have limited efficacy and high recurrence rates.

Biomaterial-based systems offer sustained drug release and better transdermal delivery.

These systems show promise in overcoming scar tissue barriers for improved therapy.

Abstract

Pathological scars are fibrotic lesions that result from aberrant wound healing following tissue injury, such as burns. They are frequently associated with disfigurement and dysfunction, thereby severely impairing the quality of life of affected patients. Current clinical treatments, including surgery, laser therapy, and corticosteroid injections, are often characterized by limited efficacy, high recurrence rates, and undesirable side effects, including skin atrophy. Furthermore, the dense structure and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in scar tissue present a significant barrier to effective drug penetration, thereby further limiting therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, biomaterial-based drug delivery systems, which integrate sustained drug release with minimally invasive transdermal technologies, have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of traditional therapies. This review systematically outlines the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of pathological scars, summarizes established and emerging treatments, and highlights the application strategies and future prospects of novel biomaterial-based drug delivery systems for managing this condition.

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