Multi-Functional Chitosan Nanovesicles Loaded with Bioactive Manganese for Potential Wound Healing Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Chronic skin wounds pose significant infection risks, particularly with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Effective treatments are needed to complement traditional antibiotics for improved wound healing.
• Nanoscale materials offer potential for novel therapeutic approaches in managing complex wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of multi-functional nanoscale chitosan vesicles loaded with manganese (Chi-Mn) as an adjunct therapy for skin wound healing.
• To evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biocompatibility properties of Chi-Mn.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of Chi-Mn in wound healing models.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of manganese-loaded chitosan nanovesicles (Chi-Mn).
• Assessment of antioxidant activity and antimicrobial efficacy against *E. coli* and *P. aeruginosa* PA01.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays using macrophages and dermal cell lines (J774A.1, HDF).
• Cell migration assays (scratch wound assay) and confocal microscopy to evaluate effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF).

Main Results:

• Chi-Mn exhibited time-dependent antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against tested bacterial strains.
• Effective inhibition of bacterial growth was observed at low Chi-Mn concentrations (0.04 µg Mn/cm²).
• Chi-Mn demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with macrophages and HDF cells across a wide concentration range (2-256 ppm).
• No adverse effects on HDF cell migration were observed at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 ppm Mn.

Conclusions:

• Chi-Mn nanovesicles possess significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties beneficial for wound healing.
• The material is biocompatible and does not impede crucial cellular processes like migration.
• Chi-Mn shows compatibility with conventional antibiotics, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive therapy for chronic skin wounds.