Polydeoxyribonucleotide Applications in Wound Healing
Summary
Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) are bioactive DNA fragments, typically ranging from 50 to 1 500 kDa, extracted from natural sources and formulated for therapeutic use. They exert their effects primarily via activation of the adenosine A2A receptor and contribution to the nucleotide salvage pathway, leading to anti-inflammatory responses, enhanced angiogenesis, and accelerated proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Together, these actions support orderly progression through the inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phases of wound repair. Clinically, PDRN preparations have been employed in the management of chronic ulcers, burns and cutaneous lesions, demonstrating shortened healing times, improved tissue quality and minimal adverse events. Recent efforts have expanded the source spectrum to include plant-derived polymers, offering sustainable alternatives to animal-derived material. Innovations in delivery—such as injectable gels, topical formulations and composite hydrogels—further extend the applicability of PDRNs across dermatological, orthopaedic and oral mucosal contexts, underscoring their global significance as versatile regenerative agents.
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Polydeoxyribonucleotide Applications in Wound Healing publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in polydeoxyribonucleotide applications in wound healing across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN): a mixture of deoxyribonucleotide polymers, typically 50–1 500 kDa, used to stimulate tissue repair.
Adenosine A2A receptor: a G-protein-coupled receptor whose activation drives anti-inflammatory and angiogenic signalling.
Angiogenesis: the process by which new blood vessels form from existing vasculature, crucial for oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissue.
Fibroblast: a connective-tissue cell responsible for synthesis of extracellular matrix and collagen during wound closure.
Keratinocyte: the predominant cell type in the epidermis that migrates to re-establish the epithelial barrier.
Salvage pathway: a metabolic route that recycles free nucleotides for DNA synthesis and cellular regeneration.
References
- Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2017).
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide: A Promising Biological Platform to Accelerate Impaired Skin Wound Healing. Pharmaceuticals (2021).
- Analysis of Skin Regeneration and Barrier-Improvement Efficacy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Isolated from Panax Ginseng (C.A. Mey.) Adventitious Root. Molecules (2023).
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide: A promising skin anti-aging agent. Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2022).
- A Biomimetic Polynucleotides–Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Promotes Wound Healing in a Primary Gingival Fibroblast Model. Applied Sciences (2021).
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