Nano-engineered lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles of fusidic acid: an investigative study on dermatokinetics profile and MRSA-infected burn wound model

Emerging biomedical technologies for scarless wound healing

Complete wound healing without scar formation has attracted increasing attention, prompting the development of various strategies to address this challenge. In clinical settings, there is a growing preference for emerging biomedical technologies that effectively manage fibrosis following skin injury, as they provide high efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and minimal side effects compared to invasive and costly surgical techniques. This review gives an overview of the latest developments in advanced biomedical technologies for scarless wound management. We first introduce the wound healing process and key mechanisms involved in scar formation. Subsequently, we explore common strategies for wound treatment, including their fabrication methods, superior performance and the latest research developments in this field. We then shift our focus to emerging biomedical technologies for scarless wound healing, detailing the mechanism of action, unique properties, and advanced practical applications of various biomedical technology-based therapies, such as cell therapy, drug therapy, biomaterial therapy, and synergistic therapy. Finally, we critically assess the shortcomings and potential applications of these biomedical technologies and therapeutic methods in the realm of scar treatment.

Clinic-oriented injectable smart material for the treatment of diabetic wounds: Coordinating the release of GM-CSF and VEGF

Chronic wounds are often caused by diabetes and present a challenging clinical problem due to vascular problems leading to ischemia. This inhibits proper wound healing by delaying inflammatory responses and angiogenesis. To address this problem, we have developed injectable particle-loaded hydrogels which sequentially release Granulocyte-macrophage- colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) encapsulated in polycaprolactone-lecithin-geleol mono-diglyceride hybrid particles. GM-CSF promotes inflammation, while VEGF facilitates angiogenesis. The hybrid particles (200-1000 nm) designed within the scope of the study can encapsulate the model proteins Bovine Serum Albumin 65 ± 5 % and Lysozyme 77 ± 10 % and can release stably for 21 days. In vivo tests and histological findings revealed that in the hydrogels containing GM-CSF/VEGF-loaded hybrid particles, wound depth decreased, inflammation phase increased, and fibrotic scar tissue decreased, while mature granulation tissue was formed on day 10. These findings confirm that the hybrid particles first initiate the inflammation phase by delivering GM-CSF, followed by VEGF, increasing the number of vascularization and thus increasing the healing rate of wounds. We emphasize the importance of multi-component and sequential release in wound healing and propose a unifying therapeutic strategy to sequentially deliver ligands targeting wound healing stages, which is very important in the treatment of the diabetic wounds.

An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 11 million people suffer from burns every year, and 180,000 die from them. A burn is a condition in which heat, chemical substances, an electrical current or other factors cause tissue damage. Burns mainly affect the skin, but can also affect deeper tissues such as bones or muscles. When burned, the skin loses its main functions, such as protection from the external environment, pathogens, evaporation and heat loss. Depending on the stage of the burn, the patient's condition and the cause of the burn, we need to choose the most appropriate treatment. Personalization and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to the successful management of burn patients. In this comprehensive review, we have collected and discussed the available treatment options, focusing on recent advances in topical treatments, wound cleansing, dressings, skin grafting, nutrition, pain and scar tissue management.

Acceleration in healing of infected full-thickness wound with novel antibacterial γ-AlOOH-based nanocomposites

This study was conducted to synthesize γ-AlOOH (bohemite)-based nanocomposites (NCs) of Au/γ-AlOOH-NC and its functionalized derivative using chitosan (Au/γ-AlOOH/Ctn-NC) and with the help of one-step Mentha piperita. The physicochemical characteristics of the NCs were investigated. In addition, biomedical properties, such as antibacterial activity under in vitro and in vivo conditions, and cell viability were assessed. Wound healing activity on infected wounds and histological parameters were assessed. The gene expressions of TNF-α, Capase 3, Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1 and FGF-2 were investigated. The TEM and FESEM images showed the sheet-like structure for bohemite in Au/γ-AlOOH-NC with Au nanoparticles in a range of 14-15 nm. The elemental analysis revealed the presence of carbon, oxygen, aluminum, and Au elements in the as-synthesized Au/γ-AlOOH. The results for toxicity showed that the produced nanocomposites did not show any cytotoxicity. Biomedical studies confirmed that Au/γ-AlOOH-NC and Au/γ-AlOOH/Ctn-NC have anti-bacterial properties and could expedite the wound healing process in infected wounds by an increase in collagen biosynthesis. The administration of ointment containing Au/γ-AlOOH-NC and Au/γ-AlOOH/Ctn-NC decreased the expressions of TNF-α, and increased the expressions of Capase 3, Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1 and FGF-2. The novelty of this study was that bohemite and Au nanoparticles can be used as a dressing to accelerate the wound healing process. In green synthesis of Au/γ-AlOOH-NC, phytochemical compounds of the plant extract are appropriate reagents for stabilization and the production of Au/γ-AlOOH-NC. Therefore, the new bohemite-based NCs can be considered as candidate for treatment of infected wounds after future clinical studies.

Topical Nanotherapeutics for Treating MRSA-Associated Skin and Soft Tissue Infection (SSTIs)

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) imposes a major challenge for the treatment of infectious diseases with existing antibiotics. MRSA associated with superficial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) is one of them, affecting the skin's superficial layers, and it includes impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, furuncles, abscesses, surgical site infections, etc. The efficient care of superficial SSTIs caused by MRSA necessitates local administration of antibiotics, because oral antibiotics does not produce the required concentration at the local site. The topical administration of nanocarriers has been emerging in the area of drug delivery due to its advantages over conventional topical formulation. It enhances the solubility and permeation of the antibiotics into deeper layer of the skin. Apart from this, antibiotic resistance is something that needs to be combated on multiple fronts, and antibiotics encapsulated in nanocarriers help to do so by increasing the therapeutic efficacy in a number of different ways. The current review provides an overview of the resistance mechanism in S. aureus as well as various nanocarriers reported for the effective management of MRSA-associated superficial SSTIs.

Tetrahydrocurcumin Lipid Nanoparticle Based Gel Promotes Penetration into Deeper Skin Layers and Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) Mouse Model

Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex pathophysiology. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) a polyphenolic, colorless compound that is more polar than curcumin. It possesses superior anti-inflammatory properties and has a clinical advantage over curcumin. The present study investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of THC solid lipid nanoparticle (THC-SLN)-based gels in AD. THC-SLNs prepared using microemulsification resulted in a particle size of 109.2 nm as determined by nanoparticle tracking, and FTIR confirmed the entrapment of drug within the lipid matrix. THC-SLNs greatly enhanced skin hydration when tested both ex vivo and in vivo in Lacca mice. Deeper skin penetration was clearly established using dermatokinetics and CLSM. The in vivo pharmacodynamics of THC-SLNs gel in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mice showed enhanced bioactivity; reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-6; and complete healing, as evident from histopathological studies. Thus, the novel topical THC-SLN gel has potential to emerge as a safe alternative to conventional corticosteroids for AD and other skin disorders with overbearing inflammation.

Quercetin loaded silver nanoparticles in hydrogel matrices for diabetic wound healing

Quercetin (QCT) is an effective antioxidant, antifibrotic and wound healing agent. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an effective antimicrobial, antifungal and wound healing agent and considered as gold standard for wound treatment especially diabetic and burn wounds. The present study aimed to investigate QCT loaded AgNPs in hydrogel matrices (QCT-AgNPs hydrogel) as synergistic treatment paradigms for diabetic wound. Quality by Design approach was employed for the optimization of hydrogel preparation using carbopol-934 andaloevera.The developed QCT-AgNPs hydrogel was characterized for hydrodynamic diameter, %entrapment efficiency (%EE), surface morphology, texture analysis,in-vitrodrug release, skin irritation study,ex-vivopermeation study (confocal study), and antimicrobial efficacy. The optimized formulation showed hydrodynamic diameter of ∼44.1 nm with smooth spherical surface morphology and ∼92.09% of QCT was entrapped in QCT-AgNPs hydrogel matrices. The antimicrobial study revealed superior therapeutic efficacy of QCT-AgNPs hydrogel in comparison to marketed (MRKT) gel onS. aureusandE. coli. Moreover,in-vivoresults demonstrated that QCT-AgNPs hydrogel significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the wound gap and increased % re-epithelialization compared with diabetic control after 18 d of post treatment in excisional diabetic wound model. In conclusion, this study opens up an avenue for the treatment of diabetic wound.

Recent advances in nanotherapeutics for the treatment of burn wounds

Moderate or severe burns are potentially devastating injuries that can even cause death, and many of them occur every year. Infection prevention, anti-inflammation, pain management and administration of growth factors play key roles in the treatment of burn wounds. Novel therapeutic strategies under development, such as nanotherapeutics, are promising prospects for burn wound treatment. Nanotherapeutics, including metallic and polymeric nanoformulations, have been extensively developed to manage various types of burns. Both human and animal studies have demonstrated that nanotherapeutics are biocompatible and effective in this application. Herein, we provide comprehensive knowledge of and an update on the progress of various nanoformulations for the treatment of burn wounds.

Applications of Nanosized-Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Wound Care

Impaired wound healing is an encumbering public health issue that increases the demand for developing new therapies in order to minimize health costs and enhance treatment efficacy. Available conventional therapies are still unable to maximize their potential in penetrating the skin at the target site and accelerating the healing process. Nanotechnology exhibits an excellent opportunity to enrich currently available medical treatments, enhance standard care and manage wounds. It is a promising approach, able to address issues such as the permeability and bioavailability of drugs with reduced stability or low water solubility. This paper focuses on nanosized-lipid-based drug delivery systems, describing their numerous applications in managing skin wounds. We also highlight the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of nanosized, lipid-based drug delivery systems and their impact on the wound-healing process. Different types of nanosized-lipid-based drug delivery systems, such as vesicular systems and lipid nanoparticles, demonstrated better applicability and enhanced skin penetration in wound healing therapy compared with conventional treatments. Moreover, an improved chemically and physically stable drug delivery system, with increased drug loading capacity and enhanced bioavailability, has been shown in drugs encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. Their applications in wound care show potential for overcoming impediments, such as the inadequate bioavailability of active agents with low solubility. Future research in nanosized-lipid-based drug delivery systems will allow the achievement of increased bioavailability and better control of drug release, providing the clinician with more effective therapies for wound care.

Co-delivery of isotretinoin and clindamycin by phospholipid-based mixed micellar system confers synergistic effect for treatment of acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND

The combination therapy of Isotretinoin (ITR) and antibacterial formulations administered through topical route suffer from several limitations including reduced therapeutic efficacy and low patient-compliance.

EXPERIMENT

The present study aimed to develop biocompatible lipid-based mixed micelles of ITR in combination with Clindamycin phosphate (CLIN) employing self-assembly method to improve its skin delivery, photostability, biocompatibility and pharmacodynamic efficacy.

RESULTS

The MTT assay and cellular uptake studies showed non-cytotoxic effect to HaCat cell lines. The zone of inhibition studies conducted in Propionibacterium acnes provides the first literature evidence to support the antimicrobial property of Isotretinoin and Tretinioin. The nano-sized carriers offered (19.3 ± 1.03 nm particle size with -3.12 mV zeta potential) enhanced permeation, skin retention, pre-clinical efficacy and significant skin biocompatibility. The testosterone-induced acne model proved superior pharmacodynamic efficacy of lab developed formulation vis-à-vis marketed products of both the drugs. The results were further confirmed by the histopathological studies of respective skin samples treated with different formulations.

CONCLUSION

The lab developed lipid-based micellar formulation of ITR and CLIN offers a better strategy for the combined delivery of unstable molecules like ITR and CLIN in acne management.

Combinatorial lipid-nanosystem for dermal delivery of 5-fluorouracil and resveratrol against skin cancer: Delineation of improved dermatokinetics and epidermal drug deposition enhancement analysis

In the present study, combinatorial nanostructured lipid carrier gel of 5-fluorouracil and resveratrol was formulated, optimized and characterized to enhance permeation in between epidermis and dermis layers of the skin to obtain a synergistic effect against skin cancer. After extensive trials, a newly modified emulsiosonication method was developed and additionally, for the first time, stability studies were done in the beginning to optimize formulation technique, which exhibited two major benefits simultaneously; first, it provided best-optimized technique for preparation of combinatorial lipid-nanosystem, and secondly, it also demonstrated a detailed report card of durability of formulations. In vitro release study showed a significantly improved, slow and prolonged release of drugs from the optimized lipid-nanosystem (***p < 0.05), which followed non-Fickian Higuchi kinetics. Besides, mechanism of skin permeation enhancement study, dermatokinetic assessment, and depth analysis of optimized formulation on skin exhibited improved permeation and well distribution of drugs up to the dermis layer of skin. Moreover, combinatorial linogel possessed significantly greater efficacy (**p < 0.01) on the A431 cell line, as compared to the conventional formulation. Thus, findings revealed that modified method of preparation for dual drug-loaded lipid-nanosystem lead to the production of a stable formulation that also improved the retention of both 5-fluorouracil and resveratrol in between the epidermis and dermis region of skin thereby helping in the management and treatment of skin cancer.

Petite miracles: insight into the nano-management of scarless wound healing

Scars affect millions of patients worldwide, yet their treatment efficacy and options clinically remain limited. In recent years, increased understanding of scar formation pathways leading to developments in nanotechnology have opened many opportunities for scar detection, prevention, and treatment due to the nanoscale features and therapeutic delivery capabilities of such technologies. Led by nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers, these novel strategies can aid in reducing scar contracture, improving wound-healing efficacy, and advancing progress towards scarless wound healing.

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus skin infection in vivo using rifampicin loaded lipid nanoparticles

We have previously reported on a novel nanoparticle formulation that was effective at killing Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Here, we report for the first time, the antibacterial effects of a lipidic nano-carrier containing rifampicin (NanoRIF) which can be used to successfully treat Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection at a reduced antibiotic dosage compared to the free drug in a skin wound model in mice. The formulation used contains the lipid monoolein, a cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl-sulfate (DOTAP) and the antibiotic. We have shown that rifampicin-loaded nanoparticles are more effective at treating infection in the skin wound model than the antibiotic alone. Cryo-TEM was used to capture for the first time, interactions of the formed nanoparticles with the cell wall of an individual bacterium. Our data strongly indicate enhanced binding of these charged nanoparticles with the negatively charged bacterial membrane. The efficacy we have now observed in vivo is of significant importance for the continued development of nanomedicine-based strategies to combat antibiotic resistant bacterial skin infections.

WITHDRAWN: Petite miracles: insight into the nano-management of scarless wound healing

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Chitosan and phospholipid assisted topical fusidic acid drug delivery in burn wound: Strategies to conquer pharmaceutical and clinical challenges, opportunities and future panorama

Burn is the immense public health issue globally. Low and middle income countries face extensive deaths owing to burn injuries. Availability of conventional therapies for burns has always been painful for patients as well as expensive for our health system. Pharmaceutical experts are still searching reliable, cheap, safe and effective treatment options for burn injuries. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic of choice for the management of burns. However, fusidic acid is encountering several pharmaceutical and clinical challenges like poor skin permeability and growing drug resistance against burn wound microbes like Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Therefore, an effort has been made to present a concise review about molecular pathway followed by fusidic acid in the treatment of burn wound infection in addition to associated pros and cons. Furthermore, we have also summarized chitosan and phospholipid based topical dermal delivery systems customized by our team for the delivery of fusidic acid in burn wound infections on case-to-case basis. However, every coin has two sides. We recommend the integration of in-silico docking techniques with natural biomacromolecules while designing stable, patient friendly and cost effective topical drug delivery systems of fusidic acid for the management of burn wound infection as future opportunities.

A brief overview on nano-sized materials used in the topical treatment of skin and soft tissue bacterial infections

Introduction: Skin and soft tissue infections are a significant clinical problem that can happen anywhere on the body. Bacteria are the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections in humans. Despite the fact that there is a lot of antimicrobial agents and antibiotics for elucidating bacterial infections, the prevention and control of infectious diseases continue to be one of the greatest challenges for public health worldwide. At the present time, an alarming increase in multidrug resistance instantly requests to find suitable alternatives to current antibiotics. Therefore, drug resistance has been attempted to be resolved by the development of new classes of antimicrobial agents or targeted delivery systems for antibacterial drugs using nanotechnology.Area covered: The present review summarizes the emerging topical efforts to support the use of nano-sized materials as a new opportunity to combat today's skin infectious diseases.Expert opinion: Nano-sized materials can overcome the stratum corneum barrier and deliver drugs specifically to bacterial skin infections with trivial side effects. Depending on the physicochemical characteristics of nano-scaled materials, they can specifically be selected to target bacterial pathogens and also to get into the skin layers. These systems can overcome the antibiotic-resistance mechanisms and help us to the design of novel topical formulations that will make administration of antibacterial compounds safer, easier and more convenient.