Nanotechnology in Wound Healing; Semisolid Dosage Forms Containing Curcumin-Ampicillin Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Characteristics

Abstract

Purpose: Wound healing is a natural biologic process, but the duration of it may take too long. Trying to shorten this process is one of the challenges for scientists. Many technologies including nanotechnology were applied to achieve this goal. In this study semi solid formulations containing curcumin and ampicillin solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared and evaluated as new burn wound healing dosage forms.
Methods: Curcumin as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent and ampicillin as an antibiotic were used in formulations. In vitro and in vivo evaluations were carried out. Particle size, loading efficiency, release profile, morphology and anti-bacterial efficacy of desired nanoparticles were evaluated. Ex vivo and in vivo studies were done to evaluate toxicity and efficacy of the formulations.
Results: Desired nanoparticles were spherical in shape and particle size of the SLNs were in range of 112-121 nm. For increasing stability of particles, they were freeze dried using cryoprotectant. After lyophilization, no significant size enlargement was seen. Results showed that both ointment and gel preparations have reasonable anti-bacterial effects, both of them cause increasing in the rate of wound healing in comparison with placebos and control groups and none of the formulations showed acute toxicity.
Conclusion: It seems that using nanotechnology could shorten wound healing process to reduce treatment costs and increase compliance of patients.

Keywords: Wound healing, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, In vivo, Semi solids