Modulation of cell proliferation and angiogenesis for wound healing acceleration

Wound healing is a complex process consisting of four major phases, namely haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodeling. Nonhealing wounds represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for a large portion of the population. Wound healing can be delayed by systemic factors such as age, body type and nutritional status, or by many diseases including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and vascular insufficiencies. During my PhD I have dealt with several aspects concerning the proliferative phase of the wound healing process, studying different substances that have been demonstrated to increase cell proliferation and migration or to promote the release of angiogenic mediators, suggesting their possible application in accelerating wound healing. Moreover, in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields, I focused my attention on the synthesis of a biomaterial with improved mechanical properties for possible orthopedic engineering applications, and on the possible use of low-level laser therapy for bone regeneration therapy.