Bioinspired Chitosan-Based Patches Enriched With Lipid-Casein Nanocarriers: An Innovative Approach for Wound Management and Evaluation in a Rat Model

Abstract

Purpose

Wounds are physical injuries that disrupt the skin’s structure and function, necessitating a complex healing process to restore integrity and functionality. Ursolic acid (UA), a naturally occurring compound, exhibits remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate for wound healing applications. However, its therapeutic potential is hindered by challenges such as poor solubility, limited permeability, and low bioavailability, which restrict its effectiveness in clinical settings. Delivering UA through nanocarriers provides a significant advantage in resolving these issues, we designed bioinspired milk protein casein-lipid nanocarriers (UA LCNPs) that were incorporated in a chitosan-based transdermal patch.

Method

UA LCNPs were prepared using the desolvation method utilizing casein and Phospholipon 90 ^® G. UA LCNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), surface morphology, DSC, and FTIR parameters. The formulated nanoparticles were then incorporated into the chitosan patch using solvent-casting method. The UA LCNPs loaded patches were evaluated for the drug content, surface pH, FESEM, swelling index, hemolysis assay, antioxidant, etc. Furthermore, the developed transdermal patch was characterized and evaluated for in vitro permeation and in vivo wound treatment activity in rats.

Results

The formulated nanoparticles were spherical, with particle size (PS) 172.9 nm, zeta potential (ZP) -14.5 mV, and a PDI value were 0.336. The prepared patch from the nanoparticles was smooth, homogenous, and flexible having high drug content. The results showed that a transdermal patch can effectively control the UA release from the patch and the accumulation of UA in the skin. The hemolysis data provides insight into safety profile and invivo antioxidant activity showing strong antioxidant properties by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The results showed that the transdermal patch UA LCNPs (test group) demonstrated effective wound healing compared to the control group and marketed ointment groups.

Conclusion

This work serves as a platform for the strategic management of wounds through phytomolecules shelled in casein nanocarriers subduing associated solubility and permeability hurdles. Moreover, accommodating them in patches for self-administration at the injury site presents an effective mode of wound management.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical representation of delivery of bioinspired hybrid nanocarriers UA LCNPs through a transdermal patch on excision wound model displaying fast healing