Characterization and In Vivo Assay of Allantoin-Enriched Pectin Hydrogel for the Treatment of Skin Wounds

Impact of the Preparation Method on the Formulation Properties of Allantoin Hydrogels: Evaluation Using Semi-Solid Control Diagram (SSCD) Principles

Allantoin possesses numerous beneficial properties for the skin, like anti-irritant effects, wound healing, skin hydration, and epithelization. In this paper, we investigated a suitable preparation method for an allantoin hydrogel using the Semi-Solid Control Diagram (SSCD) method and characterized its rheological and consistency behavior. To accomplish this, xanthan gum (XG) was selected as a model gelling agent. Briefly, four hydrogels were prepared, two without allantoin (coded M01 and M02) and two with allantoin (M1 and M2). Similarly, the formulations were either prepared through magnetic stirring (M01 and M1) or homogenization in a mortar (M02 and M2). The prepared hydrogels were evaluated using the SSCD for specific parameters and indexes. The Good Quality Index (GQI) shows a higher value for the formulation, M1 = 6.27, compared to M2 = 5.45. This result is also underlined by the value of M01 = 6.45, which is higher than M02 = 6.38. Considering the consistency, the formulation M01 possessed the highest spreadability, followed by M02 and then the allantoin hydrogels M1 and M2. The rheological behavior had a thixotropic pseudoplastic flow for all the formulations. The use of SSCD pictographs outlined the rheological properties that need improvement, the method that is suitable to prepare the allantoin hydrogels, and the influence of the allantoin suspended in the XG hydrogel.

Magnetic nanocomposite through coating mannose-functionalized metal-organic framework with biopolymeric pectin hydrogel beads: A potential targeted anticancer oral delivery system

This study designed magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel beads for a potential targeted anticancer oral delivery system. To end this, nanohybrids of Fe3O4/MIL-88(Fe) (FM) were synthesized through in-situ method by the treatment of terephthalic acid (TPA) and (Fe(NO3)3·9H2O) in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. They were then modified with mannose sugar as an anticancer receptor to achieve a targeted drug delivery system. After loading methotrexate (MTX), they were coated with pH-sensitive pectin hydrogel beads in the presence of a calcium chloride crosslinker for possible transferring the nanohybrids to the intestine through the acidic environment of the digestive system. The results of different analysis techniques showed that the materials were properly synthesized, coated, and loaded. The designed magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel beads showed pH-sensitive swelling and drug release rate, protecting MTX from the acidic environment of the stomach. MTT test revealed a good cytotoxicity toward colon cancer HT29 cell lines. Remarkably, the functionalization of MTX-loaded FM nanohybrids with mannose (MTX-MFM) enhanced their anticancer properties up to about 20 %. The results recommended that the prepared novel magnetic nanocomposite hydrogel beads have a good potential to be used as a targeted anticancer oral delivery system.

Development of Ag NPs/allantoin loaded PCL/GEL electrospun nanofibers for topical wound treatment

In the present study, the allantoin and silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs) loaded poly caprolactone/gelatin (PCL/GEL) nanofibers produced using electrospinning technique and their cyto-compatibility and wound healing activity were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The SEM imaging revealed diameters of 278.8 ± 10 and 240.6 ± 12 nm for PCL/GEL/Ag NPs and PCL/GEL/Ag NPs/allantoin scaffolds. The Ag NPs entrapment into scaffolds was evaluated by FTIR analysis and EDX mapping. Both scaffolds containing Ag NPs and Ag NPs/allantoin exhibited valuable wound healing activity in Wistar rat animal model. The profound granulation tissue formation, high collagen deposition in coordination with low level of edema and inflammatory cells in Ag NPs/allantoin loaded scaffolds resulted in complete and mature re-epithelialization in giving the healing score (12 out of 12) equal to positive control group to the wounds treated with these scaffolds. It was concluded that the Ag NPs/allantoin loaded scaffolds regarding to their good antibacterial activity and excellent wound healing activity could be introduced as new effective wound dressing materials.