Wound healing models: A systematic review of animal and non-animal models

Chronic wounds and ulcers are a significant challenge to researchers and healthcare providers. Research into the area of wound care is in great need due to the increase in incidence and healthcare cost. Wound healing models are essential to test new therapeutics, study the pathogenesis of the tissue repair mechanism and to detect new biomarkers. The aim of this review is to provide an overview for currently available animal and non-animal wound healing models.

Several models have been used to study the wound healing process including in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. There is no one single appropriate model for a study to be effective; instead a combination of models should be employed. In conclusion, animal models despite their many disadvantages remain the best available alternative to study the complex cellular and molecular interactions that occur during the wound healing process in a biologically relevant environment. Multiple models are necessary to study different types of chronic wounds due to the lack of an ideal comprehensive model that is close to humans.