Preclinical Evaluation of Silver-Curcumin Nanogel: A complete Assessment on a New Topical Antimicrobial Formulation for Burn Healing

Abstract

Nanosilver and nanocurcumin are popular nonmaterial with increasing public attention but their synergistic therapeutic potentials in burns have never been considered. Present study aimed to provide a novel formulation from both nanomaterials (Ag – Curcumin NPs) and conduct their preclinical evaluation for burn healing. After evaluation of particle size, loading efficiency, release profile and morphology of manufactured nanoparticles by TEM and DLS techniques , a 14 days skin irritation and corrosion test on Albino rabbits was performed based on OECD 404 guideline . Ames Mutagenicity test was performed on 4 strains of Salmonella Typhymurium after MIC and MBC adjustments in different doses. For clinical efficacy, skin burn model was designed and applied in rats by providing limited standard 3rd degree burns at the back of each rabbit. Manufacture lyophilized spherical nanoparticles in the range of 20- 38 nm, with low zeta potential didn't show any significant size enlargement. The nanogel was also considered as a nonirritant and non-corrosive formulation after short term and long term dermal applications (>72 hrs.) .No mutagenic effects were also identified in all strains in the test samples of Ag - Curcumin NPs (Mutation Index=0.08-0.27). This study clearly showed the safety of Ag – Curcumin NPs nanogel in low concentrations with small dimension (16-32µg/ml). Due to the safety of proposed formulation and increased rate of wound healing by Ag- Curcumin nanogel in comparison to both control groups, this combinational formulation could be considered as a safe and effective candidate for further clinical applications.