Development of poly(ρ-coumaric acid) based nanodrug delivery system incorporating hyaluronic acid for enhanced wound healing†

Wound healing is a multifaceted physiological process, often hindered by persistent inflammation, homeostatic imbalance, and impaired tissue regeneration. Traditional therapies frequently fall short in addressing these challenges, underscoring the need for advanced therapeutic strategies. In this study, we designed a novel nanodrug delivery system based on poly(ρ-coumaric acid) (PCA), a bioactive polymer derived from natural sources, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The PCA nanoparticles (NPs) were engineered to encapsulate ibuprofen (IBP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and subsequently integrated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to enhance wound site adhesion and create a moist regenerative microenvironment. This multifunctional platform (PCA@IBP NPs/HA) could synergistically achieve sustained drug release and leverage the intrinsic bioactivity of its components. In vitro assays demonstrated that the system effectively promoted cell migration and angiogenesis due to the combined anti-inflammatory effects. In vivo studies using an acute wound model confirmed accelerated wound closure, superior re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition. This work provided a novel strategy that synergistically integrated traditional herbal bioactive with nanotechnology, offering a promising platform for the development of next-generation wound-healing therapeutics.