ZIF-8-Based Nanomaterials for Diabetic Wound Healing: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Diabetic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge due to their complex pathophysiology, characterized by chronic inflammation, bacterial infections, impaired angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have highlighted the potential of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a versatile platform for addressing these challenges. ZIF-8, a metal-organic framework (MOF), exhibits unique properties such as controlled drug release, antibacterial activity, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects, making it an ideal candidate for diabetic wound healing applications. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms by which ZIF-8-based systems promote wound healing, including their role in antibacterial activity, macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress reduction. We also discuss the integration of ZIF-8 into various delivery systems, such as hydrogels, microneedles, and nanocomposites, and their performance in in vitro and in vivo models. Despite the promising results, challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, controlled release, and clinical translation remain. This review highlights these limitations and proposes future directions for optimizing ZIF-8-based systems for diabetic wound healing. By addressing these challenges, ZIF-8 has the potential to revolutionize the management of diabetic wounds and improve patient outcomes.