Potential for Manuka honey-inspired therapeutics to improve the host–biomaterial response

Abstract

Honey has been used by a wide variety of cultures across the world and for thousands of years to prevent infection and improve wound healing. Recently, Manuka honey has been demonstrated to be a potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapeutic and has been incorporated into an array of wound dressings, as well as being ingested for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Burgeoning investigation into Manuka honey's potential as a biomaterial additive has shown promising results in reducing acute inflammatory behavior from neutrophils, the most abundant leukocyte in the body, and the potent drivers of the initial immune response to implanted biomaterials. This paper discusses the most abundant antioxidant chemicals found in Manuka honey and explains their contribution to the anti-inflammatory and prowound resolution effects seen by Manuka honey therapeutics. This paper also examines the benefits and drawbacks to current Manuka honey therapies and provides future potential uses for Manuka honey-inspired therapeutics that could greatly benefit host–biomaterial integration, reduce scar tissue development at the site of implantation, and lower discomfort to the patient caused by biomaterial implantation.