Preparation of Polyurethane/Pluronic F127 Nanofibers Containing Peppermint Extract Loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles for Diabetic Wounds Healing: Characterization, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies

Abstract

Diabetic ulcer is regarded as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. The healing of these ulcers enhances with the use of herbal extracts containing wound dressings with high antibacterial property and creating a nano-sized controlled release system. In this study, new peppermint extract was incorporated in the polyurethane- (PU-) based nanofibers for diabetic wound healing. The peppermint extract was used as an herbal antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. The absorption ability of the wound dressing was enhanced by addition of F127 pluronic into the polymer matrix. The release of the extract was optimized by crosslinking the extract with gelatin nanoparticles (CGN) and their eventual incorporation into the nanofibers. The release of the extract was also controlled through direct addition of the extract into the PU matrix. The results showed that the release of extract from nanofibers was continued during 144 hours. The prepared wound dressing had a maximum absorption of 410.65% and an antibacterial property of 99.9% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. An in vivo study indicated on significant improving in wound healing after the use of the extract as an effective compound. On day 14, the average healing rate for samples covered by conventional gauze bandage, PU/F127, PU/F/15 (contained extract), and PU/F/15/10 (contained extract and CGN) prepared with different nanoparticle concentrations of 5 and 10 was 47.1 ± 0.2, 56.4 ± 0.4, 65.14 ± 0.2, and 90.55 ± 0.15%, respectively. Histopathological studies indicated that the wound treated with the extract containing nanofibers showed a considerable inflammation reduction at day 14. Additionally, this group showed more resemblance to normal skin with a thin epidermis presence of normal rete ridges and rejuvenation of skin appendages. Neovascularization and collagen deposition were higher in wounds treated with the extract containing nanofibrous wound dressing compared to the other groups.

Natural Additives Improving Polyurethane Antimicrobial Activity

“…The wound dressing comprising 15% natural Malva extract presented the wound healing rapidity of 95.05 ± 0.24% by day 14. Additionally, from the histological images, it was noted that macrophage infiltration, neovascularization activity, and fibroblastic proliferation increased on the 7th day and the grade of collagenization and epithelium regeneration was increased on the 14th day [51,52].…”

Integrating Inflammation-Responsive Prodrug with Electrospun Nanofibers for Anti-Inflammation Application

“…Among them, anti-inflammatory electrospun nanofibers play vital roles in the regeneration of skin [17,18], bone [19,20], blood vessel [21,22], and nerve [23,24] due to the nano-size architecture similar to the extracellular matrix [25] capable of delivering many types of drugs and bioactive materials [26]. For example, polyurethane/pluronic F127 nanofibers containing peppermint extract (an anti-inflammatory agent)-loaded-gelatin nanoparticles were prepared to promote diabetic wound healing [27]. Similarly, Lawsonia inermis was used as an anti-inflammatory agent and added to the gelatin-oxidized starch to generate nanofibers through electrospinning [28].…”

Engineering and Evaluation of Forcespun Gelatin Nanofibers as an Isorhamnetin Glycosides Delivery System

“…Bioactive constituents such as phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, quinones, and flavonoids typically found in plants have been used for the fabrication of functional fibers. It is reported that different plants are rich in phenolic compounds, and they have been incorporated into fiber production [40][41][42][43]. For instance, Hani et al [44] coupled Moringa oleifera leaf crude ethanolic extract rich in quercetin, kaempferol, and ascorbic acid with GL to generate nanofibers via an E-spinning method that could act as a potential oxidative stress inhibitor.…”