Production and characterization of alginate bilayer membranes for releasing simvastatin to treat wounds

Abstract

This study aims to produce and characterize alginate bilayer membranes composed of single membranes with varying cross-linking degrees to modulate simvastatin release, with potential to be used for wound-dressing. The single-layer and bilayer membranes were characterized by weight, thickness, surface pH, equilibrium-humidity, swelling degree, solubility, infrared spectroscopy (attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared), scanning electron microscopy, and water vapor transmission. Simvastatin diffusion and release rates were analyzed using Franz’s cells; its indirect cytotoxicity was analyzed using human keratinocyte cells. The difference in the cross-linking degree (bottom and top layers) influenced the morphology of the membrane, and consequently its physical barrier properties. An in vitro release study demonstrated that the bilayer membrane could sustain drug-release for longer time as compared to the single-layer membrane, which could be potentially beneficial for long-term treatment of chronic wounds. A cell viability assay showed that simvastatin-loaded alginate membranes could be characterized as noncytotoxic, demonstrating their potential for use in wound-dressing applications.

Porous and Dense Alginate/Chitosan Composite Films Loaded with Simvastatin for Dressing Applications

“…Alginate, a biopolymer with biocompatibility and healing properties, is used in bilayer membrane design [2,3]. Commercially, it serves as a raw material for dressings under well-known brands such as Algikura-Cremer (Brazil), Kaltostat-Convatec (USA), Biatain-Coloplast (Denmark), Suprasorb-Lohmann, and Rauscher (Germany and Austria) [4].…”

“…Simvastatin, a statin commonly used as a hypocholesterolemic agent in cardiovascular diseases, has recently gained attention for its anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombogenic, antioxidant, and restorative effects. This pharmaceutical drug is a promising candidate for dermal treatments, especially in the context of healing wounds in diabetic patients [4,8,9].…”

Synthesis and characterization of a novel hydrogel based on carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate with the ability to release simvastatin for chronic wound healing

“…Statins are inhibitors of HMG-CoA, which reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood [28]. Simvastatin (SIM) is a member of the statin class that, in addition to lowering blood cholesterol, has a positive effect on the healing of skin wounds by increasing lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis [29][30][31]. Angiogenesis stimulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through the P13K-AKT pathway with hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (α1-HIF), and thus improves wound healing [32].…”

An Optimized Parameter of Hydrogel for a Seven-Day Release of a Drug

“…They are designed to deliver the drugs at predetermined rate for a pre-programmed period. Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Various controlled drug release systems have been developed including nanoparticles [5] [6], liposomes, synthetic, natural polymers [7] [8] and so on [9] [10] [11] [12]. But among these, hydrogels are especially promising platforms for several reasons.…”