Topical Chitosan-Based Thermo-Responsive Scaffold Provides Dexketoprofen Trometamol Controlled Release for 24 h Use

Abstract

Chronic and non-healing wounds demand personalized and more effective therapies for treating complications and improving patient compliance. Concerning that, this work aims to develop a suitable chitosan-based thermo-responsive scaffold to provide 24 h controlled release of Dexketoprofen trometamol (DKT). Three formulation prototypes were developed using chitosan (F1), 2:1 chitosan: PVA (F2), and 1:1 chitosan:gelatin (F3). Compatibility tests were done by DSC, TG, and FT-IR. SEM was employed to examine the morphology of the surface and inner layers from the scaffolds. In vitro release studies were performed at 32 °C and 38 °C, and the profiles were later adjusted to different kinetic models for the best formulation. F3 showed the most controlled release of DKT at 32 °C for 24 h (77.75 ± 2.72%) and reduced the burst release in the initial 6 h (40.18 ± 1.00%). The formulation exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at 34.96 °C, and due to this phase transition, an increased release was observed at 38 °C (88.52 ± 2.07% at 12 h). The release profile for this formulation fits with Hixson–Crowell and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic models at both temperatures. Therefore, the developed scaffold for DKT delivery performs adequate controlled release, thereby; it can potentially overcome adherence issues and complications in wound healing applications.

An Up-to-Date Review of Biomaterials Application in Wound Management

“…Chitosan is another highly researched material, especially for scaffolds able to perform drug delivery beyond their physical support role [ 19 ]. In this respect, Castillo-Henriquez et al [ 124 ] have fabricated a chitosan-based thermo-responsive scaffold that can sustain the release of Dexketoprofen trometamol for 24 h. The developed scaffold can also reduce side effects of the drug, overcoming adherence issues and potential wound healing complications. Choudhary et al [ 129 ] have also used this natural polysaccharide, creating chitosan-reinforced graphene-silver-polycationic peptide nanocomposites for wound healing application.…”

“… Classification and examples of polymers used for fabricating biomaterial scaffolds. Created based on information from [ 115 , 118 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 ]. Abbreviations: PCL—poly (ε-caprolactone), PLA—polylactic acid, PLGA—poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PAM—polyacrylamide, PHB—poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, PUR—polyurethane.…”

An Investigation of the Sol-Gel Transition of Chitosan Lactate and Chitosan Chloride Solutions via Rheological and NMR Studies

“…Chitosan (CH), due to its favorable biological properties [ 17 , 18 , 19 ] and ability to create various morphological structures, such as microgranules, sponges, membranes, films, hydrogels, and fibers [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], is widely studied for its applications in tissue engineering, ranging from the development of functional substitutes for human skin, through to solutions enabling the regeneration of bones, cartilage, and nerves [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. The possibility of using chitosan as a carrier for pharmacological preparations and the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia is also interesting [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Preparation and Properties of Partial-Degradable ZrO2–Chitosan Particles–GelMA Composite Scaffolds

“…Besides, as a natural polysaccharide material, chitosan has good biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioadhesion, natural antimicrobial and antitumour properties, etc. It has been widely applied in drug-delivery system carriers for sustained release, controlled release, and targeted formulations of drugs [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. It is known that the morphologies of chitosan can influence the release of drugs, especially chitosan particles, which may have unique functions on drug delivery and bioactivities.…”