Film-Forming Spray of Water-Soluble Chitosan Containing Liposome-Coated Human Epidermal Growth Factor for Wound Healing

Abstract

Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) has been known to have excellent wound-healing activity. However, direct application to the wound area can lead to low hEGF bioavailability due to protease enzymes or endocytosis. The use of liposomes as coatings and carriers can protect hEGF from degradation by enzymes, chemical reactions, and immune reactions. Sustained release using a matrix polymer can also keep the levels of hEGF in line with the treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a film-forming spray of water-soluble chitosan (FFSWSC) containing hEGF-liposomes as a potential wound dressing. The hEGF-liposomes were prepared using the hydration film method, and the preparation of the FFSWSC was achieved by the ionic gelation method. The hydration film method produced hEGF-liposomes that were round and spread with a Z-average of 219.3 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 99.87%, whereas the film-forming solution, which provided good sprayability, had a formula containing 2% WSC and 3% propylene glycol with a viscosity, spray angle, droplet size, spray weight, and occlusion factor of 21.94 ± 0.05 mPa.s, 73.03 ± 1.28°, 54.25 ± 13.33 µm, 0.14 ± 0.00 g, and 14.57 ± 3.41%, respectively. The pH, viscosity, and particle size of the FFSWSC containing hEGF-liposomes were stable during storage for a month in a climatic chamber (40 ± 2 °C, RH 75 ± 5%). A wound healing activity test on mice revealed that hEGF-liposomes in FFSWSC accelerated wound closure significantly, with a complete wound closure on day 6. Based on the findings, we concluded that FFSWSC containing hEGF-liposomes has the potential to be used as a wound dressing.

Applications of Chitosan and its Derivatives in Skin and Soft Tissue Diseases

“…Introducing montmorillonite-copper chloride into chitosan films can increase their tensile strength and elongation at break and also confer higher antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, further highlighting their use as a wound dressing to combat infections ( Nouri et al, 2018 ). Additionally, chitosan films containing human epidermal growth factors can protect against enzymatic hydrolysis and endocytosis and significantly accelerate the rate of wound healing in mice ( Umar et al, 2021 ). These antibacterial properties and regenerative effects of chitosan make it a suitable material for wound dressing.…”

A review on contemporary nanomaterial-based therapeutics for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with special reference to the Indian scenario

“…Therefore, Umar et al concluded that water-soluble chitosan-containing hEGF-based liposomes can be considered a potential wound dressing for diabetic wound healing applications. 139 Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) possesses excellent wound healing efficacy. The incorporation of liposomes as carriers and coatings protects hEGF from enzyme degradation, immune reactions and chemical reactions.…”

Vesicular Nanocarriers for Phytocompounds in Wound Care: Preparation and Characterization

“…Recent studies highlighted that modern dressings with natural active compounds or HEs can be an ideal delivery system in wound healing [ 115 , 116 ]. In addition, other studies describing the incorporation of lipid vesicles in modern dressings for wound healing have shown promising results [ 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 ]. Although, a thorough search of the relevant literature yielded only a limited number of studies in which VNs with PCs were included in polymeric dressings for wound healing [ 31 , 94 ].…”