Composites Based on Gellan Gum, Alginate and Nisin-Enriched Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Infected Wounds

Abstract

Due to growing antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics, novel methods of treatment of infected wounds are being searched for. The aim of this research was to develop a composite wound dressing based on natural polysaccharides, i.e., gellan gum (GG) and a mixture of GG and alginate (GG/Alg), containing lipid nanoparticles loaded with antibacterial peptide—nisin (NSN). NSN-loaded stearic acid-based nanoparticles (NP_NSN) were spherical with an average particle size of around 300 nm and were cytocompatible with L929 fibroblasts for up to 500 µg/mL. GG and GG/Alg sponges containing either free NSN (GG + NSN and GG/Alg + NSN) or NP_NSN (GG + NP_NSN and GG/Alg + NP_NSN) were highly porous with a high swelling capacity (swelling ratio above 2000%). Encapsulation of NSN within lipid nanoparticles significantly slowed down NSN release from GG-based samples for up to 24 h (as compared to GG + NSN). The most effective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Streptococcus pyogenes was observed for GG + NP_NSN, while in GG/Alg it was decreased by interactions between NSN and Alg, leading to NSN retention within the hydrogel matrix. All materials, except GG/Alg + NP_NSN, were cytocompatible with L929 fibroblasts and did not cause an observable delay in wound healing. We believe that the developed materials are promising for wound healing application and the treatment of bacterial infections in wounds.

Antimicrobial Biomaterial on Sutures, Bandages and Face Masks with Potential for Infection Control

“…Preservatives are used in different health care, pharmaceutical or cosmetic products to mitigate microbial contamination. Incorporating antimicrobials on bandages, wound dressing materials and surgical sutures leads to effective prevention and treatment of SSI, as well as wound infections [ 11 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”

“…The recommendations of social distancing, personal hygiene and wearing of face masks must be carried on in the future during known seasonal flu outbreaks. The incorporation of inhibitory biomaterials on surgical face masks can aid the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections as well [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. The antiviral, anti-coronavirus activities of plant secondary metabolites are reported in previous studies and include AV, as well as several polyphenols and hydroxycinnamic acids [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ].…”

“…Such bioactive secondary plant metabolites are the reason for the use of medicinal plants, herbs and spices throughout centuries [ 46 , 47 ]. Phenolic acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and other compounds are used as antimicrobial agents in an increasing number of investigations [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Sutures, bandages and wound dressings incorporating phytochemicals are promising alternatives to conventional treatment options due to targeted, on-site drug delivery [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

Development and Characterization of Gentamicin-Loaded Arabinoxylan-Sodium Alginate Films as Antibacterial Wound Dressing

“…), malnutrition, and poor wound care are the main factors leading to chronic wounds that put a physical, psychological, social, and financial burden on patients [ 2 , 9 , 10 ]. Wound infections caused by bacteria (mainly Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Bacteroides fragilis ) are one of the most predominant reasons for the prolongation of wound healing (in the inflammatory stage) [ 1 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. These bacteria form colonies at the wound site and may overcome the patient’s immunity, resulting in tissue damage and life-threatening consequences [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Gellan Gum in Wound Dressing Scaffolds

“…However, this approach decreases the mechanical properties which may result from the reduction in molecular weight during the oxidation process [ 100 ]. The loading of antimicrobial agents is a good approach to enhancing the antibacterial effects of gellan gum films [ 101 , 102 ].…”