Advancing burn wound healing with an innovative in situ gelling probiotic microparticle formulation employing quality by design (QbD) principles

Scientists investigated probiotic-containing dressings to address the challenges associated with burn injuries, namely infection and antimicrobial resistance. The present investigation sought to evaluate the impact of innovative probiotic-loaded microparticles with in situ gelling characteristics on infected burns. The strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, was selected due to its demonstrated wound-healing potential. Subsequently, a formulation was designed to sustain the growth capacity of probiotics. Polymers with a high moisture absorption capacity were exclusively used to avoid powder dispersion from wounds. The formulation was stabilized through the reduction of water content using the spray-drying process. The ideal composition was identified by analyzing the influence of the spray-drying inlet temperature, polymer type, and concentrations on probiotic viability, process efficiency, swelling ratio, and flow properties of powders. Morphological analysis showed the presence of microparticles with significant exchangeable surface areas. The rheological properties of the formulation demonstrated its ability to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress. Moreover, FTIR and DCS spectra provided evidence of interconnection between the polymers. Examination of the growth profiles of both formulated and free probiotics revealed a consistent growth rate and an extended lag time. Animal studies have shown that the optimal microparticles exhibited superior efficacy compared to the control groups across all parameters and displayed enhanced effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The proposed delivery method, with its simple application and prevention of normal flora transmission, may have the potential to improve burn wound infection treatments.