Novel drug‐eluting soy‐protein structures for wound healing applications

Abstract

Naturally derived materials are becoming widely used in the biomedical field. Soy protein has advantages over the various types of natural proteins employed for biomedical applications due to its low price, nonanimal origin, and relatively long storage time and stability. In the current study, novel drug‐eluting soy‐protein films for wound healing applications were developed and studied. The films were prepared using the solvent casting technique. The analgesic drug bupivacaine and two types of wide range antibiotics (gentamicin and clindamycin) were incorporated into the soy‐protein films. The effect of drug incorporation and plasticizers content on the films' mechanical properties, drug release profiles, and cell viability was studied. Drug incorporation had a softening effect of the films, lowering mechanical strength and increasing ductility. Release profiles of bupivacaine and clindamycin exhibited high burst release of 80% to 90% of encapsulated drug within 6 hours, followed by continuous release in a decreasing rate for a period of 2 to 4 days. Gentamicin release was prolonged, probably due to interaction between the gentamicin and the polymer chains. Hybrid soy‐protein/poly (Dl‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PDLGA) microspheres structure showed potential for long and sustained release of bupivacaine. Films with no drugs and films loaded with gentamicin were found to be noncytotoxic for human fibroblasts, while bupivacaine and clindamycin were found to have some effect on cell growth. In conclusion, our new drug‐loaded soy‐protein films combine good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, with desired drug release profiles, and can therefore be potentially very useful as burn and ulcer dressings.

Films for Wound Healing Fabricated Using a Solvent Casting Technique

“…The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is crucial, providing a humid environment and gas exchange for wound healing. Wound dehydration may occur due to an excessive WVTR, whereas bacterial infection and maceration may result from low WVTR [ 119 , 120 ]. The WVTR for normal skin is 204 g/m 2 /24 h. However, for injured skin, it may increase from 279 g/m 2 /24 h (in first-degree burns) to 5138 g/m 2 /24 h (in granulating wounds) [ 121 ].…”

“…The mechanical properties of PFs are generally related to the film network microstructure and intermolecular forces [ 115 ]. They are crucial for their clinical performance to protect the wound and avoid tearing up while withstanding stresses during the application, handling, or break-in storage [ 119 ]. Therefore, PFs should combine relatively high strength with ductility and flexibility to follow skin movements ( Table 3 ) [ 116 ].…”

“…Therefore, PFs should combine relatively high strength with ductility and flexibility to follow skin movements ( Table 3 ) [ 116 ]. However, a rapid decrease in these properties is expected to occur during application due to hydrolysis and enzymatic breakdown [ 119 ]. The mechanical properties of the PFs are usually characterized by tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB or strain), and Young’s modulus.…”

In vitro characterization of novel multidrug-eluting soy protein wound dressings

“…This system has been proven to be a biocompatible platform. 10–12 We also found that a plasticizer is an essential component of the soy protein films, since without plasticizers the films were highly brittle and could not be handled or stored for prolonged periods of time. 13…”

Preparation, Characteristics, and Advantages of Plant Protein-Based Bioactive Molecule Delivery Systems

“…In addition, soy protein has good biocompatibility, has been extensively used to prepare nanoparticles, hydrogels, and emulsions, and has broad application prospects in the functional food and biomedical fields [ 40 ]. In related studies, soybean protein-based biomaterials could induce the formation of new tissues, reduce the inflammatory response of host cells, and promote wound healing [ 41 ]. Soybean protein-based fiber has shown good antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, and can be used as a dressing for wound repair [ 42 ].…”