Abstract
Diabetic ulcer is regarded as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. The healing of these ulcers enhances with the use of herbal extracts containing wound dressings with high antibacterial property and creating a nano-sized controlled release system. In this study, new peppermint extract was incorporated in the polyurethane- (PU-) based nanofibers for diabetic wound healing. The peppermint extract was used as an herbal antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. The absorption ability of the wound dressing was enhanced by addition of F127 pluronic into the polymer matrix. The release of the extract was optimized by crosslinking the extract with gelatin nanoparticles (CGN) and their eventual incorporation into the nanofibers. The release of the extract was also controlled through direct addition of the extract into the PU matrix. The results showed that the release of extract from nanofibers was continued during 144 hours. The prepared wound dressing had a maximum absorption of 410.65% and an antibacterial property of 99.9% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. An in vivo study indicated on significant improving in wound healing after the use of the extract as an effective compound. On day 14, the average healing rate for samples covered by conventional gauze bandage, PU/F127, PU/F/15 (contained extract), and PU/F/15/10 (contained extract and CGN) prepared with different nanoparticle concentrations of 5 and 10 was 47.1 ± 0.2, 56.4 ± 0.4, 65.14 ± 0.2, and 90.55 ± 0.15%, respectively. Histopathological studies indicated that the wound treated with the extract containing nanofibers showed a considerable inflammation reduction at day 14. Additionally, this group showed more resemblance to normal skin with a thin epidermis presence of normal rete ridges and rejuvenation of skin appendages. Neovascularization and collagen deposition were higher in wounds treated with the extract containing nanofibrous wound dressing compared to the other groups.
Highlights
Nano-sized drug delivery systems of herbal drugs have become an attractive topic for researchers due to their potential for enhancing activity as well as overcoming problems related to herbal medicines [1]
Hydrophilic polyurethane-based wound dressings containing peppermint extract were prepared by electrospinning technique. e extract release was controlled by the addition of crosslinked extract-gelatin nanoparticles with addition to direct use of extract in the polymer matrix. e equilibrium releasing time and the maximum buffer absorption were 144 h and 410.65%, respectively
FTIR results indicated on generating of hydrogen bonds between the extract, crosslinking the extract with gelatin nanoparticles (CGN), and carrier polymers
Summary
Nano-sized drug delivery systems of herbal drugs have become an attractive topic for researchers due to their potential for enhancing activity as well as overcoming problems related to herbal medicines [1]. Nanofibers, liposomes, and nano-emulsion, regarded as the novel drug delivery systems, have been widely used due to their unique advantages including bioavailability, high solubility, high pharmacological activity, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine nontoxicity, distribution, sustained delivery, and protection from physical and chemical degradation [2]. It is important that the drug can be delivered to the patient continuously and in appropriate time. The rate of delivering a drug to the patient is important. Very slow or very fast delivery progress influences on the treatment of severe diseases. In this regard, the control release of drugs is highly suggested [3]
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