Bioactive Icariin/β-CD-IC/Bacterial Cellulose with Enhanced Biomedical Potential

Abstract

A “super” bioactive antibacterial hydrogel, Icariin-β-CD-inclusion complex/Bacterial cellulose and an equally capable counterpart Icariin-Bacterial cellulose (ICBC) were successfully produced with excellent antioxidant properties. The highly porous hydrogels demonstrated very high fluid/liquid absorption capability and were functionally active as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) test confirmed the existence of abundant hydroxyls (-OH stretching), carboxylic acids (-CH2/C-O stretching), Alkyne/nitrile (C≡C/C≡N stretching with triple bonds) and phenol (C-H/N-O symmetric stretching) functional groups. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests confirmed a successful β-CD-inclusion complexation with Icariin with a great potential for sustained and controlled drug release. In vitro drug release test results indicated a systemic and controlled release of the drug (Icariin) from the internal cavities of the β-CD inclusion complex incorporated inside the BC matrix with high Icariin (drug) release rates. Impressive inactivation rates against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 8099 and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538; >99.19% and >98.89% respectively were recorded, as the materials proved to be non-toxic on L929 cells in the in vitro cytotoxicity test results. The materials with promising versatile multipurpose administration of Icariin for wound dressing (as wound dressers), can also be executed as implants for tissue regeneration, as well as face-mask for cosmetic purposes.

Icariin protects cerebral neural cells from ischemia‑reperfusion injury in an in vitro model by lowering ROS production and intracellular calcium concentration

“…As a flavone compound, ICA is likely to have antioxidant activity through the scavenging of free radicals, or by chelating metal ions or by inhibiting the enzymatic systems responsible for producing free radicals (62). In a recent study, ICA was demonstrated to have radical scavenging activities using a 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (63). It is hypothesized that the phenol functional groups in ICA could undergo H-atom abstraction for stable and delocalized radical species (63).…”

Polysaccharides based biopolymers for biomedical applications: A review

“…Cellulose‐based wound dressings have been developed as an alternative to traditional wound dressings. Cellulose‐based dressings can provide an absorbent, non‐adhesive, and non‐irritating surface for wound healing, while also allowing for moisture regulation and gas exchange 66,67 …”

“…Cellulose-based dressings can provide an absorbent, non-adhesive, and non-irritating surface for wound healing, while also allowing for moisture regulation and gas exchange. 66,67…”

Bioavailability Improvement Strategies for Icariin and Its Derivates: A Review

“…In a study by Mensah et al, the icariin/β–CD inclusion complex/bacterial cellulose (ICPBC) product was created in the form of hydrogels, which can be used in different fields, acting as target drug carriers, for wound dressings, or as facemasks in the cosmetics industry. In vitro studies showed the increased drug release (up to 47.9%) of icariin in the case of ICPBC [ 72 ].…”