Formulation and evaluation of simvastatin cubosomal nanoparticles for assessing its wound healing effect

Abstract

Wound healing is one of the most challenging medical circumstances for patients. Pathogens can infect wounds, resulting in tissue damage, inflammation, and disruption of the healing process. Simvastatin was investigated recently, as a wound healing agent that may supersede the present therapies for wounds. Our goal in this paper is to focus on formulation of simvastatin cubosomes for topical delivery, as a potential approach to improve simvastatin skin permeation. By this technique its wound healing effect could be improved. Cubosomes were prepared using the top-down method and the prepared cubosomes were characterized by several techniques. The most optimal simvastatin cubosomal formulation was then included in a cubogel dosage form using different gelling agents. The results showed that the average particle size of the prepared cubosomes was 113.90 ± 0.58 nm, the entrapment efficiency was 93.95 ± 0.49% and a sustained simvastatin release was achieved. The optimized formula of simvastatin cubogel displayed pseudoplastic rheological behavior. This same formula achieved enhancement in drug permeation through excised rat skin compared to free simvastatin hydrogel with flux values of 46.18 ± 2.12 mcg cm−2 h−1 and 25.92 ± 3.45 mcg cm−2 h−1 respectively. Based on the in-vivo rat studies results, this study proved a promising potential of simvastatin cubosomes as wound healing remedy.

Simvastatin-Encapsulated Topical Liposomal Gel for Augmented Wound Healing: Optimization Using the Box-Behnken Model, Evaluations, and In Vivo Studies

“…They also showed moderate neovascularization and polymorphonuclear cell presence across the healing phases. Previous studies support our findings: Ahmed et al demonstrated re-epithelialization with SIM cubosomal nanoparticles [ 33 ]. Farghaly Aly et al showed complete epithelialization with SIM polymeric nanoparticle gel [ 34 ], as well as minimal inflammation and mature collagen fiber formation.…”

One Molecule, Many Faces: Repositioning Cardiovascular Agents for Advanced Wound Healing

“…By formulating simvastatin cubosomes for topical delivery, the study performed by Ahmed et al [ 130 ] introduced an innovative strategy to enhance simvastatin’s skin permeation, thereby optimizing the wound-healing effects of cubosomes. Cubosomes are distinct from solid nanoparticles and are liquid crystalline particles formed through self-assembly [ 131 ].…”