Localized delivery of curcumin by thermosensitive hydrogels for promoting wound healing

Abstract

Background Curcumin can promote wound healing, but its drug delivery medium needs to be improved further. Objectives A curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogel was prepared, its characterization was evaluated, and its promoting effect on wound healing was observed. Methods Curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared with different percentages of poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 407. A small tube inversion assay was used to observe the sol‐gel transition temperature, and a rotational rheometer was used to detect the sol viscosity, sol‐gel phase transition temperature, and phase transition time. The microstructure of the gel was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate whether curcumin was successfully loaded. Finally, its promoting effect on wound healing was observed in vivo and in vitro. Results Poloxamer 407 24% and poloxamer 188 1% were selected to prepare curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogels. After 60 ± 15 s at 32°C, the sol‐gel transition process was completed, with certain elastic behavior and solid‐like rheological properties. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the pores of the curcumin‐P407/P188 thermosensitive hydrogel were interconnected, with an average pore size ranging from 5 to 10 μm. Hydrogels showed a higher swelling ratio. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that curcumin had been incorporated into the hydrogel. Live/dead cell assays suggested that the hydrogel was not toxic to fibroblasts. Curcumin‐loaded thermosensitive hydrogels can promote an increase in S‐phase fibroblasts and improve wound healing. Conclusions Curcumin‐loaded P407/P188 thermosensitive hydrogel improves wound healing. More in‐depth research is needed in the future.