Systematic Development and Characterization of Novel, High Drug-Loaded, Photostable, Curcumin Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Wound Healing

Abstract

The study aims to develop high drug-loaded (about 15% lipid matrix) curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs) for wound healing. CSLNs prepared by hot, high-pressure homogenization, without using organic solvents, were optimized using the Taguchi design followed by the central composite design. The optimized CSLNs exhibited a high assay/drug content (0.6% w/w), solubility (6 × 105 times), and EE (75%) with a particle size < 200 nm (PDI—0.143). The CSLNs were safe (in vitro and in vivo), photostable, autoclavable, stable up to one year at 30 °C and under refrigeration and exhibited a controlled release (zero-order; 5 days). XRD, FTIR, and DSC confirmed solubilization and entrapment of the curcumin within the SLNs. TEM and FESEM revealed a smooth and spherical shape. The CSLNs showed a significant antimicrobial effect (MIC of 64 µg/mL for planktonic cells; 512 µg/mL for biofilm formation; and 2 mg/mL for mature biofilm) against Staphylococcus aureus 9144, while free curcumin dispersion did not exhibit any effect. This is the first report on the disruption of mature biofilms by curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs). The cell proliferation potential of CSLNs was also evaluated in vitro while the wound healing potential of CSLNs (incorporated in a hydrogel) was assessed in vivo. In (i) nitrogen mustard gas and (ii) a full-thickness excision wound model, CSLNs exhibited (a) significantly faster wound closure, (b) histologically and immunohistochemically better healing, (c) lower oxidative stress (LPO) and (d) inflammation (TNFα), and (e) increased angiogenesis (VEGF) and antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase and GSH levels. CSLNs thus offer a promising modern wound therapy especially for infected wounds, considering their effects in mature biofilm disruption.

Wound Healing and Antioxidant Properties of Launaea procumbens Supported by Metabolomic Profiling and Molecular Docking

“…All treatments of 0.5 g were applied topically on the wound twice daily for fourteen days until the wounds had mostly healed. Photographs were taken every 3 days using a camera (Fuji, S20 Pro, Sendai, Japan) posing vertically to middle of the wound with a distance of 6 cm to visually monitor the gross morphological changes in the wound area until the excision wounds were fully cured [ 33 ]. Subsequently, the percentage wound closure was calculated using the following formula: where n is the number of days (3rd, 7th, 10th, and 14th).…”

Combinational System of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers and Biodegradable Polymers for Wound Healing: An Updated Review

“…Lastly, S. Aureus biofilm eradication by SLN was obtained. Thus, these developments accelerated wound recovery [ 59 ]. Chamomile oil can be named as a further example of facilitating the delivery of herbal extracts by SLNs.…”

Next-Generation Hydrogels as Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Exploring the Role of Curcumin

“…As earlier defined, two chemical units (2 o -methoxy phenol) of the molecule are connected by a seven-carbon linker with an α,β-unsaturated diketone moiety. , Curcumin acts as an electron donor, and the π electron cloud stabilizes its chemical structure. The resonance structure exhibited inside the molecule is responsible for its contribution to many electron transfer reactions. , Lampe first described the procedure for the synthesis of synthetic curcumin in 1913 . Later on, several scientists developed methods for high yield synthesis of curcumin which are in use today .…”

“…The resonance structure exhibited inside the molecule is responsible for its contribution to many electron transfer reactions. 46,47 Lampe first described the procedure for the synthesis of synthetic curcumin in 1913. 48 Later on, several scientists developed methods for high yield synthesis of curcumin which are in use today.…”