Chitosomes-In-Chitosan Hydrogel for Acute Skin Injuries: Prevention and Infection Control

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to treating skin injuries and burns.
• Effective formulations are needed to deliver antimicrobials, especially those with low water solubility, for improved wound healing.
• Chitosan and its nanocarriers (chitosomes) offer potential for drug delivery and antimicrobial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel chitosan-based hydrogel formulation incorporating chitosomes for enhanced treatment of skin injuries.
• To assess the physical properties, safety, and antimicrobial efficacy of the chitosomes-in-chitosan hydrogel system.
• To investigate the potential of this formulation for preventing and eradicating bacterial infections in acute wounds.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan-infused nanocarriers (chitosomes) encapsulating chlorhexidine were optimized.
• Chitosomes were incorporated into a chitosan hydrogel matrix.
• The biological and antibacterial effects of the chitosomes and the hydrogel formulation were evaluated against bacterial pathogens like *S. aureus* and *S. epidermidis*.

Main Results:

• The chitosomes-in-chitosan hydrogel formulation exhibited favorable physical properties and demonstrated safety.
• Chitosan-based systems (chitosomes and hydrogel) showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against *S. aureus* and *S. epidermidis* compared to non-chitosan formulations.
• The developed formulation proved effective in delivering the antimicrobial chlorhexidine.

Conclusions:

• The chitosomes-in-chitosan hydrogel is a promising formulation for the prevention and eradication of bacterial infections in acute wounds.
• This novel approach offers a potential strategy for improving the treatment of infection-prone skin injuries in the context of antimicrobial resistance.
• The formulation supports enhanced antimicrobial effects and could serve as a foundation for advanced wound care solutions.