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Optimizing Extracellular Vesicle Delivery Using a Core-Sheath 3D-Bioprinted Scaffold for Chronic Wound Management
Published on: February 28, 2025
220
Computational Designed and Optimized Liposomal Curcumin-Embedded Bifunctional Cross-Linked Hydrogels for Wound
Chaiyakarn Pornpitchanarong1,2, Khin Cho Aye1, Kwanputtha Arunprasert1,3
1Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2024
Summary
This study developed curcumin (CUR) loaded liposomes within nanocomposite hydrogels for enhanced wound healing. These novel CUR-L@HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA hydrogels significantly improved skin recovery rates compared to commercial options.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Wound Healing Technologies
Background:
- Curcumin (CUR) possesses therapeutic properties but suffers from poor bioavailability and delivery challenges.
- Liposomes and hydrogels are effective drug delivery vehicles, but their combination for enhanced wound healing requires optimization.
- Developing advanced wound dressings with improved drug release and efficacy is crucial for effective skin regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize CUR-loaded liposomes (CUR-Ls) for enhanced antioxidant activity and stability.
- To synthesize and characterize novel bifunctional cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogels (HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA) for CUR delivery.
- To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of CUR-L@HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA hydrogels in promoting skin recovery.
Main Methods:
- CUR-Ls were optimized using Box-Behnken design for particle size, zeta potential, and CUR concentration.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were optimized, and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone-co-itaconic acid) (PNVP-ITA) was synthesized to enhance properties.
- Drug release kinetics were studied, and in vivo skin recovery was assessed on rat dorsal skin.
Main Results:
- Optimized CUR-Ls exhibited a narrow size distribution and high CUR content (19.92 ± 0.54 µg/mg), with enhanced antioxidant effects.
- The nanocomposite hydrogels demonstrated improved properties due to PNVP-ITA cross-linking.
- CUR-L@HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA hydrogels facilitated a diffusion-controlled CUR release and significantly improved skin recovery compared to a commercial patch within 5 days.
Conclusions:
- Optimized CUR-loaded liposomes within HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA nanocomposite hydrogels represent a promising strategy for effective wound healing.
- The developed hydrogels offer controlled drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy for skin regeneration.
- This advanced wound dressing formulation shows potential for clinical application in managing complex wounds.

