Exploration of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems in Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic manifestation characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood resulting in several complications including diabetic wounds and ulcers, which predominantly require a longer duration of treatment and adversely affect the quality of life of the patients. Nanotechnology-based therapeutics (both intrinsic and extrinsic types) have emerged as a promising treatment in diabetic foot ulcer/chronic wounds owing to their unique characteristics and specific functional properties. In this review, we have focused on the significance of the use of lipids in the healing of diabetic ulcers, their interaction with the injured skin, and recent trends in lipid-based nanocarriers for the healing of diabetic wounds. Lipid nanocarriers are also being investigated for gene therapy in diabetic wound healing to encapsulate nucleic acids such as siRNA and miRNA, which could silence the expression of inflammatory cytokines overexpressed in chronic wounds. Additionally, these are also being explored for encapsulating proteins, peptides, growth factors, and other biological genetic material as therapeutic agents. Lipid-based nanocarriers encompassing a wide variety of carriers such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and lipidoid nanoparticles that are explored for the treatment of foot ulcers supplemented with relevant research studies have been discussed in the present review. Lipid-based nanodrug delivery systems have demonstrated promising wound healing potential, particularly in diabetic conditions due to the enhanced efficacy of the entrapped active molecules.

Cell membrane-coated human hair nanoparticles for precise disease therapies

“…Wet dressings (hydrogels, hydrocolloids, alginates, etc.,) need less frequent replacement but still have not solved the problem of low local antibiotic concentration due to poor acral microcirculation [ 49 ]. So far, a variety of nanomaterials with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties have been developed, such as nano-silver, nano-copper, and nano-zinc oxide [ 50 ]. Despite the good antibacterial activity, the delivery of metal ions to wounds and surrounding tissue still causes high toxicity to the tissues, and the antibacterial activity is greatly reduced with the release of ions, making it a one-time use [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Status and Future Scope of Soft Nanoparticles-Based Hydrogel in Wound Healing

“…Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have gained significant attention in topical applications given their high stability, safety, and occlusive film-forming properties [ 116 , 117 ]. In addition, increased active solubility, protection against degradation, controlled and target release, and payload can be provided by incorporating drugs into SLN.…”

“…These carriers are compatible for use on inflamed skin as well, because of the non-skin irritation potential of the lipid matrix [ 89 ]. The SLNs also have a relevant physiological advantage given the similarity in their lipid composition with the lipid bilayers [ 116 ].…”

Preclinical study of diabetic foot ulcers: From pathogenesis to vivo/vitro models and clinical therapeutic transformation

“…However, DFU occurs because of extensive accumulation of microvascular lesions below the knee. In addition, inadequate arterial blood supply delays the healing of the original ulcer 12 …”