Combining extracellular matrix hydrogels and electrical stimulation to influence macrophage polarisationTools Whitehead, Charlie D. (2024) Combining extracellular matrix hydrogels and electrical stimulation to influence macrophage polarisation. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.
AbstractThe research and development that is invested in the complex process that is wound healing is vast. The volume of wound care research is accelerating in response to skyrocketing costs of complex wound care; ageing populations with increased comorbidities being the significant element. These variables lead to a greater quantity of complex and chronic wounds, which are more costly to treat. One major factor in limiting normal wound repair is persistent inflammation. Macrophages and fibroblasts are crucial regulators of inflammation, amongst other aspects of the wound healing process. In a chronic wound macrophage function has been shown to be impaired, leading to prolonged inflammation; while impacts on fibroblast function have been shown to delay wound closure. Drivers behind these deviations from normal healing are likely due to changes in local stimuli. To address this issue and enhance the treatment of chronic wounds, it becomes imperative to explore innovative strategies aimed at modulating cell function.
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