A biodegradable hydrogel system containing curcumin encapsulated in micelles for cutaneous wound healing

A biodegradable in situ gel-forming controlled drug delivery system composed of curcumin loaded micelles and thermosensitive hydrogel was prepared and applied for cutaneous wound repair. Curcumin is believed to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Due to its high hydrophobicity, curcumin was encapsulated in polymeric micelles (Cur-M) with high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. Cur-M loaded thermosensitive hydrogel (Cur-M-H) was prepared and applied as wound dressing to enhance the cutaneous wound healing. Cur-M-H was a free-flowing sol at ambient temperature and instantly converted into a non-flowing gel at body temperature. In vitro studies suggested that Cur-M-H exhibited well tissue adhesiveness and could release curcumin in an extended period. Furthermore, linear incision and full-thickness excision wound models were employed to evaluate the in vivo wound healing activity of Cur-M-H. In incision model, Cur-M-H-treated group showed higher tensile strength and thicker epidermis. In excision model, Cur-M-H group exhibited enhancement of wound closure. Besides, in both models, Cur-M-H-treated groups showed higher collagen content, better granulation, higher wound maturity, dramatic decrease in superoxide dismutase, and slight increase in catalase. Histopathologic examination also implied that Cur-M-H could enhance cutaneous wound repair. In conclusion, biodegradable Cur-M-H composite might have great application for wound healing.