Abstract
Hydrogels, an advanced interactive system, is finding use as wound dressings, however, they exhibit restricted mechanical properties, macroscopic nature, and may not manage high exudate wounds or incorporate lipophilic actives. In this study, we developed a self-gelling solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNs) dressing to incorporate simvastatin (SIM), a lipophilic, potential wound-healing agent, clinically limited due to poor solubility (0.03 mg/mL) and absorption. The study explores unconventional and novel application of SIM. The idea was to incorporate a significant amount of SIM in a soluble form and release it slowly over a prolonged time. Further, a suitable polymeric surfactant was selected that assigned a self-gelling property to SLNs (SLN-hydrogel) so as to be used as a novel wound dressing. SLNs assign porosity, elasticity, and occlusivity to the dressing to keep the wound area moist. It will also provide better tolerance and sensory properties to the hydrogel. SIM loaded SLN-hydrogel was prepared employing an industry amenable high-pressure homogenization technique. The unique hydrogel dressing was characterized for particle size, zeta potential, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, rheology, and texture. Significant loading of SIM (10% w/w) was achieved in spherical nanoparticule hydrogel (0.3 nm (nanoparticles) to 2 µm (gelled-matrix)) that exhibited good spreadability and mechanical properties and slow release up to 72 h. SLN-hydrogel was safe as per the organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD-404) guidelines, with no signs of irritation. Complete healing of excision wound observed in rats within 11 days was 10 times better than marketed povidone-iodine product. The presented work is novel both in terms of classifying a per se SLN-hydrogel and employing SIM. Further, it was established to be a safe, effective, and industry amenable invention.
Highlights
The complex and dynamic process of wound healing can be effectively managed by creating a favorable environment employing suitable wound-dressing products
Even though a wide range of wound dressings are already present in the market, there is scope for great improvement and innovation to address some unmet needs viz. incapability to adjust properties in accordance with changing wound condition; pain and secondary injuries due to excessive drying; and loss of efficiency on saturation with exudates
Lipid and cosurfactant were obtained from Gattefosse, France ex gratia
Summary
The complex and dynamic process of wound healing can be effectively managed by creating a favorable environment employing suitable wound-dressing products. Newer interactive dressings like films and foams are associated with the latter issue of excessive exudate accumulation on site, leading to delayed healing [2]. In contrast to other systems, hydrogels are advanced and interactive and have attracted attention due to (i) their high water content that initiates granulation and epithelialization by promoting fibroblast proliferation and keratinocyte migration; (ii) their soft elastic nature, easy application, and removal; and, (iii) soothing and cooling effect on wounds [3]. Hydrogel wound dressings may present incompatibility with high exudate wounds and exhibit limited mechanical property and non-adherent and macroscopic nature [2]
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