RETRACTED: Self-Gelling Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Hydrogel Containing Simvastatin as Suitable Wound Dressing: An...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Conventional hydrogels have limitations in mechanical properties and managing high exudate wounds.
• Simvastatin (SIM), a lipophilic drug, shows potential for wound healing but suffers from poor solubility and absorption.
• Existing wound dressings often fail to adequately incorporate and deliver lipophilic actives effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel self-gelling solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) hydrogel for enhanced wound dressing applications.
• To incorporate a significant amount of simvastatin (SIM) into the SLN-hydrogel for sustained release and improved wound healing.
• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and industry-amenability of the developed SIM-loaded SLN-hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of simvastatin (SIM)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using high-pressure homogenization.
• Formulation of SLNs into a self-gelling hydrogel (SLN-hydrogel) using a suitable polymeric surfactant.
• Characterization of the SLN-hydrogel for physical, chemical, mechanical, and drug release properties; safety assessment via OECD-404 guidelines.

Main Results:

• Successful incorporation of 10% w/w simvastatin (SIM) into spherical nanoparticles within a gelled matrix (0.3 nm to 2 µm).
• The SLN-hydrogel exhibited good spreadability, mechanical properties, and sustained SIM release up to 72 hours.
• Complete excision wound healing in rats within 11 days, showing a 10-fold improvement over povidone-iodine.

Conclusions:

• The developed SLN-hydrogel is a novel and effective wound dressing capable of incorporating and releasing simvastatin (SIM).
• The dressing offers improved porosity, elasticity, and occlusivity, promoting a moist wound environment.
• The SLN-hydrogel is safe, demonstrates superior wound healing efficacy, and is amenable to industrial production.