Curcumin-Loaded Bioactive Polymer Composite Film of PVA/Gelatin/Tannic Acid Downregulates the Pro-inflammatory Cytokines to Expedite Healing of Full-Thickness Wounds

Abstract

Curcumin (Cur) entrapped poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/gelatin composite films were prepared by cross-linking with tannic acid (TA) as bioactive dressings for rapid wound closure. Films were evaluated for mechanical strength, swelling index, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), film solubility, and in-vitro drug release studies. SEM revealed uniform and smooth surfaces of blank (PG9) and Cur-loaded composite films (PGC4). PGC4 exhibited excellent mechanical strength (tensile strength (TS) and Young’s modulus (YM) were 32.83 and 0.55 MPa, respectively), swelling ability (600–800% at pH 5.4, 7.4, and 9), WVTR (2003 ± 26), and film solubility (27.06 ± 2.0). Sustained release (81%) of the encapsulated payload was also observed for 72 h. The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH free radical scavenging showed that the PGC4 possessed strong % inhibition. The PGC4 formulation displayed higher antibacterial potential against S. aureus (14.55 mm zone of inhibition) and E. coli (13.00 mm zone of inhibition) compared to blank and positive control by the agar well diffusion method. An in-vivo wound healing study was carried out on rats using a full-thickness excisional wound model. Wounds treated with PGC4 showed very rapid healing about 93% in just 10 days post wounding as compared to 82.75% by Cur cream and 80.90% by PG9. Furthermore, histopathological studies showed ordered collagen deposition and angiogenesis along with fibroblast formation. PGC4 also exerted a strong anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6 were lowered by 76% and 68% as compared to the untreated group, respectively). Therefore, Cur-loaded composite films can be an ideal delivery system for effective wound healing.

pH-Responsive Co-Assembled Peptide Hydrogel to Inhibit Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infection and Promote Wound Healing

“…However, curcumin can inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. As shown in Figure D,E, we observed a significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α in the Nap-pep@Cur (S3) group, which was consistent with Nida Rashid’s finding that “curcumin-supported poly­(vinyl alcohol)/gelatin/tannic acid bioactive polymers reduce TNF-α and IL-6 levels in vivo at wound sites”. Furthermore, as shown in Figure C, the Cur-release rate of Nap-pep@Cur (S3) reached 66.26% after 24 h in vivo.…”

“…Imbalance of inflammatory factors may impair fibroblast functions such as proliferation and migration. 51 However, curcumin can inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. As shown in Figure 6D,E, we observed a significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α in the Nappep@Cur (S3) group, which was consistent with Nida Rashid's finding 52 that "curcumin-supported poly(vinyl alcohol)/gelatin/tannic acid bioactive polymers reduce TNF-α and IL-6 levels in vivo at wound sites".…”

Nanocomposite Hydrogels and Extracellular Matrix—Advantages and Associated Risks

“…Dietary polyphenols can decrease arterial stiffness [ 62 ], and it was reported that curcumin downregulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 [ 71 ]. Thus, the joint consideration of these two articles allows arriving at the conclusion that ECM de-stiffening downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it has recently been reported that matrix stiffness exacerbates the pro-inflammatory responses of vascular smooth muscle cells [ 72 ].…”

Nanocomposite Hydrogels and Extracellular Matrix—Advantages and Associated Risks

“…Dietary polyphenols can decrease arterial stiffness [62], and it was reported that curcumin downregulates the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 [71]. Thus, the joint consideration of these two articles allows arriving at the conclusion that ECM destiffening downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it has recently been reported that matrix stiffness exacerbates the pro-inflammatory responses of vascular smooth muscle cells [72].…”