Doxycycline-Loaded Silver Nanoparticle–Embedded Chitosan Hydrogel for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation Optimization, Characterization, and In Vivo Evaluation
Ritesh A. Fule, Abhishek D. Nagdeve, Pankaj D. Nagpure, Aishwarya S. Rangurwar, Gamal Osman Elhassan, Saleh Alfuraih, Md Ali Mujtaba, Ameeduzzafar Zafar
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study focuses on the development of a doxycycline (DOC)-loaded silver nanoparticle (DOC-AgNPs) embedded chitosan hydrogel for enhanced wound healing. DOC-AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction using silver nitrate as the metal precursor, trisodium citrate (TSC) as the reducing/stabilizing agent, and DOC as the model drug. Optimization was performed using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) with silver nitrate concentration, TSC level, and stirring speed as independent variables. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited particle size of 186 nm, polydispersity index of 0.280, zeta potential of − 28.6 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 84%. The DOC-AgNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, these DOC-AgNPs were incorporated into a chitosan-based hydrogel, which showed desirable organoleptic properties, pH (6.5), viscosity (22,800 cP), spreadability (15 g·cm/s), and swelling index. In vitro drug release in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) exhibited a biphasic release pattern characterized by an initial burst release followed by sustained drug release. Antibacterial activity, evaluated by agar well diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, showed significantly larger inhibition zones (34 mm and 36 mm) for DOC-AgNP hydrogel compared to plain AgNPs (21 mm and 23 mm), indicating synergistic effects. In vivo wound healing studies demonstrated accelerated wound closure, complete re-epithelialization, and improved tissue regeneration with minimal inflammation. Histological analysis and hydroxyproline content further supported enhanced healing. These results suggest that the DOC-AgNP hydrogel offers a promising platform for localized, sustained drug delivery, combining antimicrobial and regenerative properties for advanced wound care.
期刊介绍:
The journal publishes the following types of papers: (a) original and important research;
(b) authoritative comprehensive reviews or short overviews of topics of current
interest; (c) brief but urgent communications on new significant research; and (d)
commentaries intended to foster the exchange of innovative or provocative ideas, and
to encourage dialogue, amongst researchers working in different cluster
disciplines.