Montmorillonite–chitosan–silver sulfadiazine nanocomposites for topical treatment of chronic skin lesions: In vitro biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy and gap closure cell motility properties

Essential oil-loaded lipid nanoparticles for wound healing

Chronic wounds and severe burns are diseases responsible for severe morbidity and even death. Wound repair is a crucial process and tissue regeneration enhancement and infection prevention are key factors to minimize pain, discomfort, and scar formation. The aim of this work was the development of lipid nanoparticles (solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers [NLC]), to be loaded with eucalyptus or rosemary essential oils and to be used, as medical devices, to enhance healing of skin wounds. Lipid nanoparticles were based on natural lipids: cocoa butter, as solid lipid, and olive oil or sesame oil, as liquid lipids. Lecithin was chosen as surfactant to stabilize nanoparticles and to prevent their aggregation. The systems were prepared by high shear homogenization followed by ultrasound application. Nanoparticles were characterized for physical–chemical properties, bioadhesion, cytocompatibility, in vitro proliferation enhancement, and wound healing properties toward normal human dermal fibroblasts. Antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was evaluated against two reference microbial strains, one of Staphylococcus aureus, the other of Streptococcus pyogenes. Finally, the capability of nanoparticles to promote wound healing in vivo was evaluated on a rat burn model. NLC based on olive oil and loaded with eucalyptus oil showed appropriate physical–chemical properties, good bioadhesion, cytocompatibility, in vitro proliferation enhancement, and wound healing properties toward fibroblasts, associated to antimicrobial properties. Moreover, the in vivo results evidenced the capability of these NLC to enhance the healing process. Olive oil, which is characterized by a high content of oleic acid, proved to exert a synergic effect with eucalyptus oil with respect to antimicrobial activity and wound repair promotion.

Nanosuspension-Based Aloe vera Gel of Silver Sulfadiazine with Improved Wound Healing Activity

The present study focuses on the development and characterization of nanosuspension of a poorly soluble drug, silver sulfadiazine (SSD) incorporated in Aloe vera gel (AV-gel) for improving its therapeutic efficacy. The SSD solution in ammonia was subjected to nanoprecipitation in surfactant solution and particle size was optimized by varying concentration of surfactant. Optimized formulation constituted of 5.5% (w/v) Span 20 and 5.5% (w/v) Tween 80 as a dispersing agent and 0.5% (w/v) Poloxamer 188 as a co-surfactant. The prepared nanosuspension was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, surface morphology, and x-ray diffraction study. The optimized nanosuspension was incorporated into nanogel formulation with the addition of 1% AV-gel and 0.5% Carbopol 940 for topical delivery of nanosized SSD. Evaluation of in vitro drug release exhibited a significant enhancement in release rate of the drug from developed nanogel formulation (77.16 ± 3.241%) in comparison to marketed formulation (42.81 ± 1.452%) after 48 h. In vivo histopathological studies in rats for 14 days of application of prepared nanogel showed improvement in the wound healing potential as compared to marketed formulation.

Halloysite and chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite for wound healing

Halloysite is a natural nanotubular clay mineral (HNTs, Halloysite Nano Tubes) chemically identical to kaolinite and, due to its good biocompatibility, is an attractive nanomaterial for a vast range of biological applications. Chitosan oligosaccharides are homo- or heterooligomers of N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucosamine, that accelerate wound healing by enhancing the functions of inflammatory and repairing cells. The aim of the work was the development of a nanocomposite based on HNTs and chitosan oligosaccharides, to be used as pour powder to enhance healing in the treatment of chronic wounds. A 1:0.05 wt ratio HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite was obtained by simply stirring the HTNs powder in a 1% w/w aqueous chitosan oligosaccharide solution and was formed by spontaneous ionic interaction resulting in 98.6% w/w HTNs and 1.4% w/w chitosan oligosaccharide composition. Advanced electron microscopy techniques were considered to confirm the structure of the hybrid nanotubes. Both HTNs and HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite showed good in vitro biocompatibility with normal human dermal fibroblasts up to 300μg/ml concentration and enhanced in vitro fibroblast motility, promoting both proliferation and migration. The HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite and the two components separately were tested for healing capacity in a murine (rat) model. HTNs/chitosan oligosaccharide allowed better skin reepithelization and reorganization than HNTs or chitosan oligosaccharide separately. The results suggest to develop the nanocomposite as a medical device for wound healing.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The present work is focused on the development of halloysite and chitosan oligosaccharide nanocomposite for wound healing. It considers a therapeutic option for difficult to heal skin lesions and burns. The significance of the research considers two fundamental aspects: the first one is related to the development of a self-assembled nanocomposite, formed by spontaneous ionic interaction, while the second one is related to the possibility to find an effective treatment for cutaneous non healing lesions. The characterization of this hybrid system involves a multidisciplinary approach considering integrated techniques of solid state investigation and advanced electron microscopies, and in vitro/in vivo models to understand biocompatibility and proliferation properties (enhancement of in vitro fibroblast motility, proliferation and migration, and of in vivo burn healing), to understand safety and effectiveness of the developed nanocomposite.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the chitosan/Tur composite film for wound healing applications

We have developed tourmaline/chitosan (Tur/CS) composite films for wound healing applications. The characteristics of composite films were studied by optical microscope, infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction. Tur particles were uniformly distributed in the CS film and the crystal structure of CS was not remarkably changed except the decrease of crystallinity. The influence of Tur on wound healing applications was characterized by modulating Tur concentrations in the Tur/CS composite film prepared by loading Tur powder into CS matrix with different proportion (0, 1/40 and 1/10). Then L929 cells were co-cultured on the composite films to access the cytotoxicity in vitro. Tur concentrations strongly influenced cell process extension. Tur/CS composite film with 1/40 mass ratio could promote the cell adhesion and proliferation. Fewer and shorter processes were observed at high Tur density. When the composite films were transplanted on porcine full-thickness burn wounds, histological results demonstrated that the Tur/CS group with 1/40 mass ratio had a significantly higher number of newly-formed and mature blood vessels, and fastest regeneration of dermis. Based on the observed facts these films can be tailored for their potential utilization in wound healing and skin tissue engineering applications.

Development of Nano-Antimicrobial Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Around the globe, there is a great concern about controlling growth of pathogenic microorganisms for the prevention of infectious diseases. Moreover, the greater incidences of cross contamination and overuse of drugs has contributed towards the development of drug resistant microbial strains making conditions even worse. Hospital acquired infections pose one of the leading complications associated with implantation of any biomaterial after surgery and critical care. In this regard, developing non-conventional antimicrobial agents which would prevent the aforementioned causes is under the quest. The rapid development in nanoscience and nanotechnology has shown promising potential for developing novel biocidal agents that would integrate with a biomaterial to prevent bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Metals with inherent antimicrobial properties such as silver, copper, zinc at nano scale constitute a special class of antimicrobials which have broad spectrum antimicrobial nature and pose minimum toxicity to humans. Hence, novel biomaterials that inhibit microbial growth would be of great significance to eliminate medical device/instruments associated infections. This chapter comprises the state-of-art advancements in the development of nano-antimicrobial biomaterials for biomedical applications. Several strategies have been targeted to satisfy few important concern such as enhanced long term antimicrobial activity and stability, minimize leaching of antimicrobial material and promote reuse. The proposed strategies to develop new hybrid antimicrobial biomaterials would offer a potent antibacterial solution in healthcare sector such as wound healing applications, tissue scaffolds, medical implants, surgical devices and instruments.

Graphene-Montmorillonite Composite Sponge for Safe and Effective Hemostasis

Montmorillonite (MMT) is considered to be the most effective hemostat among natural phyllosilicates. However, there is a barrier against using MMT for the commercial hemostatics because the invaded MMT powders might cause thrombosis in vessel. Until now, it is still a challenge to manage the release of MMT and eliminate its side effect. Herein, we present a graphene-MMT composite sponge (GMCS), synthesized under a hydrothermal reaction, fixing MMT powders into the cross-linked graphene sheets. We demonstrate that only a few embedded MMT can evoke remarkable platelet stimulation at the sponge interface, while maintaining fast plasma absorbency of the innate sponge. In the synergy of the above hemostatic mechanisms, the GMCS can rapidly stop bleeding in approximately 85 s in rabbit artery injury test. More importantly, computed tomography angiography certifies that the GMCS does not cause thrombus or blood clot in vessels. Cytotoxicity assay further highlights its biocompatibility. In-depth analysis proposes that two-dimensional graphene overmatches one-dimensional linear polymers in the composite construction, and dimension transformation of blood distribution plays a crucial role for reinforcing the hemostatic performance. This GMCS hemostat not only opens a new perspective for graphene composite, but also makes a new chance of using clays for trauma therapy.

Nano-hydroxyapatite/β-CD/chitosan nanocomposite for potential applications in bone tissue engineering

Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel tri-component nanocomposite system incorporating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and chitosan (CS), (n-HA/β-CD/CS) at three different temperatures via co-precipitation method. The chemical interactions and surface morphology have been evaluated by TEM, SEM and AFM techniques revealing the agglomerated nanoparticles in CS/n-HA-HA binary system whereas the ternary systems produced needle shaped nanoparticles dispersed homogeneously at low temperature with more porous and rougher surface. The addition of β-CD in CS/n-HA at low temperature decreased the particle size and raised the thermal stability as compared to CS/n-HA. The comparative hemolytic, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion studies confirmed the better hemocompatibility of n-HA/β-CD/CS-(RT,HT,LT) nanocomposites relative to CS/n-HA. The cell viability has been evaluated in vitro using MG-63 cell line which revealed superior non toxicity of n-HA/β-CD/CS-LT nanocomposite in comparison to n-HA/β-CD/CS-(RT,HT) and CS/n-HA nanocomposites. Thus it may be concluded that the orchestrated organic/inorganic n-HA/β-CD/CS-(RT,HT,LT) nanocomposites exhibited relatively higher cell viability of human osteoblast cells, stimulated greater osteogenesis, controlled biodegradation, enhanced antibacterial activity with excellent in-vitro biomineralization and remarkable mechanical parameters as compared to CS/n-HA nanocomposite and thus may provide opportunities for potential use as an alternative biomaterial for Bone tissue engineering applications.

Role of bentonite clays on cell growth

Bentonites, naturally occurring clays, are produced industrially because of their adsorbent capacity but little is known about their effects on human health. This manuscript reports on the effect of bentonites on cell growth behaviour. Bentonites collected from India (Bent-India), Hungary (Bent-Hungary), Argentina (Bent-Argentina), and Indonesia (Bent-Indonesia) were studied. All four bentonites were screened in-vitro against two human cancer cell lines [U251 (central nervous system, glioblastoma) and SKLU-1 (lung adenocarcinoma)] supplied by the National Cancer Institute (USA). Bentonites induced growth inhibition in the presence of U251 cells, and growth increment in the presence of SKLU-1 cells, showing that interactions between bentonite and cell surfaces were highly specific. The proliferation response for U251 cells was explained because clay surfaces controlled the levels of metabolic growth components, thereby inhibiting the development of high-grade gliomas, particularly primary glioblastomas. On the other hand, the proliferation response for SKLU-1 was explained by an exacerbated growth favoured by swelling, and concomitant accumulation of solutes, and their hydration and transformation via clay-surface mediated reactions.

Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Silver(I) Complexes of Pyridine and (Benz)Imidazole Derivatives. X-ray Crystal Structure of [Ag(2,6-di(CH2OH)py)2]NO3

Selected aspects of the biological activity of a series of six nitrate silver(I) complexes with pyridine and (benz)imidazole derivatives were investigated. The present study evaluated the antibacterial activities of the complexes against three Gram-negative strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Proteus hauseri ATCC 13315. The results were compared with those of silver nitrate, a silver sulfadiazine drug and appropriate ligands. The most significant antibacterial properties were exerted by silver(I) complexes containing benzimidazole derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes was examined against B16 (murine melanoma) and 10T1/2 (murine fibroblasts) cells. All of the tested silver(I) compounds were not toxic to fibroblast cells in concentration inhibited cancer cell (B16) viability by 50%, which ranged between 2.44–28.65 µM. The molecular and crystal structure of silver(I) complex of 2,6-di(hydroxymethyl)pyridine was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The most important features of the crystal packing and intermolecular non-covalent interactions in the Ag(I) complex were quantified via Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Influence of selected inorganic counter-ions on the structure and antimicrobial properties of silver(i) complexes with imidazole-containing ligands

Newly synthesized silver(i) complexes with 4(5)-(hydroxymethyl)imidazole and selected counter-ions show significant activity against Gram-positive bacteria, especially the one containing the trifluoroacetate counter-ion.

Development of silver sulfadiazine loaded bacterial cellulose/sodium alginate composite films with enhanced antibacterial property

Sodium alginate (SA) and bacterial cellulose (BC) are widely used in many applications such as scaffolds and wound dressings due to its biocompatibility. Silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) is a topical antibacterial agents used as a topical cream on burns. In the study, novel BC/SA-AgSD composites were prepared and characterized by SEM, FTIR and TG analyses. These results indicate AgSD successfully impregnated into BC/SA matrix. The swelling behaviors in different pH were studied and the results showed pH-responsive swelling behaviors. The antibacterial performances of BC/SA-AgSD composites were evaluated with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of BC/SA-AgSD composites was performed on HEK 293 cells. The experimental results showed BC/SA-AgSD composites have excellent antibacterial activities and good biocompatibility, thus confirming its utility as potential wound dressings.

Skin wound healing with chitosan thin films containing supported silver nanospheres

Dermal wound healing involves complex histo-molecular events aimed to repair the discontinuity of the epithelium. Employing nanometric silver particles provides an efficient antimicrobial effect for several dermal infections. The aim is to elucidate imminent advantages of silver nanoparticles, such as the possibility of modulating the epithelial cell repair process. Through the nanostructural implementation of chitosan thin films supporting silver nanoparticles, it was feasible to evaluate in vivo the efficacy and evolution of dermal recuperation after surgical damage. The characterization of chitosan silver nanoparticle films was performed by UV–visible spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. An important dermal healing was accomplished in animals that were treated with chitosan films supporting silver nanoparticles, as confirmed by a histopathological analysis of the skin after 12 days of treatment. The developed chitosan thin film supporting an optimized amount of silver nanoparticles could be employed to treat diseases related to wound healing.

Novel chitosan-based/montmorillonite/palladium hybrid microspheres as heterogeneous catalyst for Sonogashira reactions

The objective of this study was to develop novel chitosan-based/montmorillonite/palladium (CS/MMT/Pd) hybrid microsphere catalysts with improved properties for use in Sonogashira reactions.

Development of chitosan oleate ionic micelles loaded with silver sulfadiazine to be associated with platelet lysate for application in wound healing

In the treatment of chronic wounds, topical application of anti-infective drugs such as silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) is of primary importance to avoid infections and accelerate wound repair. AgSD is used in burns and chronic wounds for its wide antibacterial spectrum, but presents limitations due to poor solubility and cytotoxicity. In the present work polymeric micelles obtained by self-assembling of chitosan ionically modified by interaction with oleic acid were developed as carriers for AgSD to overcome the drawbacks of the drug. The AgSD loaded micelles were intended to be associated in wound healing with platelet lysate (PL), a hemoderivative rich in growth factors. Unloaded micelles demonstrated good compatibility with both fibroblasts and PL. The relevance of chitosan concentration and of the ratio between chitosan and oleic acid to the drug loading and the particle size of nanoparticles was studied. A marked increase (up to 100 times with respect to saturated solution) of AgSD concentration in micelle dispersion was obtained. Moreover, the encapsulation reduced the cytotoxic effect of the drug towards fibroblasts and the drug incompatibility with PDGF-AB (platelet derived growth factor), chosen as representative of platelet growth factors.

Antimicrobial and in vitro wound healing properties of novel clay based bionanocomposite films

The present study investigates the development of methyl cellulose (MC)-sodium alginate (SA)-montmorillonite (MMT) clay based bionanocomposite films with interesting wound healing properties. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the composite films revealed presence of single glass transition temperature (Tg) confirming the miscible nature of the ternary blended films. The increase in MMT ratio in the composite films reduced the mobility of biopolymer chains (MC/SA) which increased the Tg of the film. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that dispersion of clay (MMT) at nano level significantly delayed the weight loss that correlated with higher thermal stability of the composite films. It was observed that the developed films were able to exhibit antimicrobial activity against four typical pathogenic bacteria found in the presence of wound. The developed films were able to significantly inhibit (10 mg/ml) the growth of Enterococcus faecium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro scratch assay indicated potential wound closure activities of MC-2-4 bionanocomposite films at their respective highest subtoxic doses. In conclusion, these ternary bionanocomposite films were found to be promising systems for wound healing applications.