Preparation and properties of safflower seed oil and keratinocyte growth factor-2 assembled nanoemulsion gel

Inflammation and infection associated with skin trauma present significant challenges for wound healing in clinical practice, underscoring the promising market prospects for innovative bioactive molecules. In this study, safflower seed oil was utilized as a drug carrier in combination with Keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) to form a composite oil body. A nanoemulsion was prepared using the ultrasonication method, which was then mixed with a gel matrix to obtain the safflower seed oil and KGF-2 assembled nanoemulsion gel (OKNG). The physicochemical properties of the prepared OKNG, including particle size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, stability, morphology, moisture retention, degradation, sustained release, transdermal absorption, and activity, were thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, a full-thickness skin defect model was constructed to assess the wound healing ability through tissue staining analysis, and Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed on the traumatic skin tissue related factors. The results of this study clearly indicate the potential of OKNG in promoting wound healing.