Synergistic phyto-formulated microemulsion for improved collagen deposition and healing of infected wounds

Chronic and infected wounds pose a major clinical challenge due to delayed healing, persistent inflammation, and impaired tissue regeneration. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a phyto-based Microemulsion (Phy-ME) composed of potato peel powder, Himalayan Curcumin powder, neem oil, and Aloe Vera gel, focusing on its physicochemical stability, cell viability, antibacterial activity and wound-healing efficacy. The formulation was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, zeta potential, and FE-SEM, confirming stable particle formation (- 33.8 mV) with uniform dispersion and compatible phyto-constituents. In vivo studies were conducted on BALB/c mice with full-thickness excision wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Phy-ME-treated groups, particularly at 250 µg/mL, exhibited accelerated wound closure (> 90% by day 14), a reduced bacterial load, and improved granulation tissue formation compared to the controls. Histopathological analysis revealed dense collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and complete epithelialization in Phy-ME-treated tissues. The combined phyto-constituents exhibited synergistic antibacterial, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, promoting rapid wound recovery. This study demonstrates that Phy-ME serves as a biocompatible and sustainable formulation capable of improving collagen re-modeling and wound recovery, supporting its potential translation into therapies for chronic and infected wounds.