Synthesis and characterization of a novel hydrogel based on carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate with the ability to release simvastatin for chronic wound healing

Abstract

Since wound dressing has been considered a promising strategy to improve wound healing, recent attention has been focused on the development of modern wound dressings based on synthetic and bioactive polymers. In this study, we prepared a multifunctional wound dressing based on carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate hydrogel containing a nanostructured lipid carrier in which simvastatin has been encapsulated. This dressing aimed to act as a barrier against pathogens, eliminate excess exudates, and accelerate wound healing by increasing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Among various fabricated composites of dressing, the hydrogel composite with a carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate ratio of 1:2 had an average pore size of about 98.44 ± 26.9 μm and showed 707 ± 31.9 % swelling and a 2116 ± 79.2 g/m2.per day water vapor transfer rate (WVTR), demonstrating appropriate properties for absorbing exudates and maintaining wound moisture. The nanostructured lipid carrier with optimum composition and properties had a spherical shape and uniform particle size distribution (74.46 ±7.9 nm). The prepared nanocomposite hydrogel displayed excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria as well as high biocompatibility on L929 mouse fibroblast cells. It can release the loaded simvastatin drug slowly and over a prolonged period of time. The highest drug release occurred (80%) within 14 days. The results showed that this novel nanocomposite could be a promising candidate as a wound dressing for treating various chronic wounds in skin tissues.

Design and fabrication of gelatin-based hydrogel loaded with modified amniotic extracellular matrix for enhanced wound healing

“…However, the mechanism of action of dECMMA/GelMA and its associated tissue healing signaling pathways remain unclear in this study [ 9 ]. Moreover, the fabrication process and optimization of the theoretical performance of this composite hydrogel require further investigation [ 4 ].…”

“…The gel was then frozen at −20 °C and the samples were placed in a freeze-dryer and left overnight. The freeze-dried samples were cut open with a sharp knife to expose the interior of the gel, and the surface was coated with gold before being observed by SEM [ 9 , 18 ].…”

“…A good dressing should be designed to have biological activity, such as inherent biological activity or bioactive components (drugs) incorporated into the dressing that can be released in the wound area. This dressing can directly interact with the wound surface during the wound healing process and have a beneficial impact on promoting tissue regeneration [ 8 , 9 ]. However, traditional dressings cannot restrict the evaporation of moisture from the wound surface, causing dehydration of the wound bed, and with increasing evaporation, traditional dressings adhere to the wound, causing severe pain when changing dressings [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Recent Development of Functional Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications

“…However, the pure CMC film is highly swollen and unstable in the calcium chloride solution, indicating a weak interaction between CMC and Ca 2+ [ 36 ]. Therefore, other CMC crosslinkers are used, such as sodium alginate [ 36 , 37 , 38 ], oxidized sodium alginate [ 39 ], and genipin [ 40 ]. In the case of CMC/alginate, increasing crosslinking improves the degradation rate because of a larger number of hydrophilic NH 2 and COOH groups in the hydrogel matrix [ 41 ].…”

State of Innovation in Alginate-Based Materials

“…The composite exhibited efficient antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and indicated biocompatibility on mouse fibroblasts. The results of the study proved that the drug can be released over a prolonged period of time, which can be a major advantage in the wound healing process [ 199 ]. As recent studies have shown, an electrospun polycaprolactone/calcium alginate scaffold can be useful in skin tissue engineering.…”