Preparation of nanocomposite membranes loaded with taxifolin liposome and its mechanism of wound healing in diabetic mice

Hydrogel loaded with thiolated chitosan modified taxifolin liposome promotes osteoblast proliferation and regulates Wnt signaling pathway to repair rat skull defects

To alleviate skull defects and enhance the biological activity of taxifolin, this study utilized the thin-film dispersion method to prepare paclitaxel liposomes (TL). Thiolated chitosan (CSSH)-modified TL (CTL) was synthesized through charge interactions. Injectable hydrogels (BLG) were then prepared as hydrogel scaffolds loaded with TAX (TG), TL (TLG), and CTL (CTLG) using a Schiff base reaction involving oxidized dextran and carboxymethyl chitosan. The study investigated the bone reparative properties of CTLG through molecular docking, western blot techniques, and transcriptome analysis. The particle sizes of CTL were measured at 248.90 ± 14.03 nm, respectively, with zeta potentials of +36.68 ± 5.43 mV, respectively. CTLG showed excellent antioxidant capacity in vitro. It also has a good inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition rates of 93.88 ± 1.59 % and 88.56 ± 2.83 % respectively. The results of 5-ethynyl-2 '-deoxyuridine staining, alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining showed that CTLG also had the potential to promote the proliferation and differentiation of mouse embryonic osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). The study revealed that CTLG enhances the expression of osteogenic proteins by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway, shedding light on the potential application of TAX and bone regeneration mechanisms.

Chitosan-modified dihydromyricetin liposomes promote the repair of liver injury in mice suffering from diabetes mellitus

Liver injury caused by type-II diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public-health concern worldwide. We used chitosan (CS) to modify dihydromyricetin (DHM)-loaded liposomes (DL) through charge interaction. The effect of CS-modified DL (CDL) on liver injury in mice suffering from DM was investigated in vivo and in vitro. CDL exhibited superior antioxidant capacity and stability. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed a 3.23- and 1.92-fold increase in the drug concentration-time curve (953.60 ± 122.55 ng/mL/h) in the CDL-treated group as opposed to the DHM-treated group (295.15 ± 25.53 ng/mL/h) and DL-treated group (495.31 ± 65.21 ng/mL/h). The maximum drug concentration in blood (Tmax) of the CDL group saw a 2.26- and 1.21-fold increase compared with that in DHM and DL groups. We observed a 1.49- and 1.31-fold increase in the maximum drug concentration in blood (Cmax) in the CDL group compared with that in DHM and DL groups. Western blotting suggested that CDL could alleviate liver injury in mice suffering from DM by modulating inflammatory factors and the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, modification of liposomes using CS is a viable approach to address the limitations of conventional liposomes and insoluble drugs.

Insights of biopolymeric blended formulations for diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds (DWs) pose a significant health burden worldwide, with their management presenting numerous challenges. Biopolymeric formulations have recently gained attention as promising therapeutic approaches for diabetic wound healing. These formulations, composed of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, offer unique properties such as controlled drug release, enhanced wound closure, and reduced scarring. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and future prospects regarding the application of biopolymeric formulations for diabetic wound healing. The review begins by highlighting the underlying pathophysiology of DWs, including impaired angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and compromised extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. It further explores the key characteristics of biopolymeric materials, such as their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable physicochemical properties, which make them suitable for diabetic wound healing applications. The discussion further delves into the types of biopolymeric formulations utilized in the treatment of DWs. These include hydrogels, nanoparticles (NP), scaffolds, films, and dressings. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges associated with biopolymeric formulations for diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, biopolymeric formulations present a promising avenue for diabetic wound healing. Their unique properties and versatility allow for tailored approaches to address the specific challenges associated with DWs. However, further research and developments are required to optimize their therapeutic efficacy, stability, manufacturing processes, and regulatory considerations. With continued advancements in biopolymeric formulations, the future holds great promise for improving the management and outcomes of DWs.

Polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogels loaded with taxifolin liposomes promote diabetic wound healing by inhibiting inflammation and regulating autophagy

With the improvement of modern living standards, the challenge of diabetic wound healing has significantly impacted the public health system. In this study, our objective was to enhance the bioactivity of taxifolin (TAX) by encapsulating it in liposomes using a thin film dispersion method. Additionally, polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogels were prepared through repeated freeze-thawing. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the properties of the hydrogel and its effectiveness in promoting wound healing in diabetic mice. The results of the experiments revealed that the encapsulation efficiency of taxifolin liposomes (TL) was 89.80 ± 4.10 %, with a drug loading capacity of 17.58 ± 2.04 %. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the prepared hydrogels possessed a porous structure, facilitating gas exchange and the absorption of wound exudates. Furthermore, the wound repair experiments in diabetic mice showed that the TL-loaded hydrogels (TL-Gels) could expedite wound healing by suppressing the inflammatory response and promoting the expression of autophagy-related proteins. Overall, this study highlights that TL-Gels effectively reduce wound healing time by modulating the inflammatory response and autophagy-related protein expression, thus offering promising prospects for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds induced by diabetes.

Dopamine-grafted oxidized hyaluronic acid/gelatin/cordycepin nanofiber membranes modulate the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway to promote diabetic wound healing

Due to impaired immune function, diabetic wounds are highly susceptible to the development of excessive inflammatory responses and prolonged recurrent bacterial infections that impede diabetic wound healing. Therefore, it is necessary to design and develop a wound dressing that controls bacterial infection and inhibits excessive inflammatory response. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA) was modified using dopamine (DA). Subsequently, cordycepin (COR) was loaded into dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid (OHDA)/gelatin (GEL) nanofiber wound dressing by electrostatic spinning technique. The constructed COR/OHDA/GEL nanofiber membrane has good thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and air permeability. In vitro experiments showed that the obtained COR/OHDA/GEL nanofiber membranes had good antimicrobial efficacy (S. aureus: 95.60 ± 0.99 %, E. coli: 71.17 ± 6.87 %), antioxidant activity (>90 %), and biocompatibility. In vivo experiments showed that COR/OHDA/GEL nanofiber membranes could promote wound tissue remodeling, collagen deposition, and granulation tissue regeneration. Western blot experiments showed that COR/OHDA/GEL nanofibrous membranes could inhibit the excessive inflammatory response of wounds through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, COR/OHDA/GEL nanofiber membranes could promote diabetic wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response. The results showed that the designed nanofiber wound dressing is expected to provide a new strategy for treating chronic wounds.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone/chitosan-loaded dihydromyricetin-based nanofiber membrane promotes diabetic wound healing by anti-inflammatory and regulating autophagy-associated protein expression

The healing of wounds in diabetics is commonly delayed by recurring infections and persistent inflammation at the wound site. For this reason, we conducted a study using the electrospinning technique to create nanofiber membranes consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone/chitosan (PVP/CS) and incorporated dihydromyricetin (DHM) into them. Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the nanofiber membrane. Experimental results in vitro have shown that PVP/CS/DHM has exceptional properties such as hydrophilicity, porosity, water vapor transport rate, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity. Moreover, our study has demonstrated that the application of PVP/CS/DHM can significantly improve wound healing in diabetic mice. After an 18-day treatment period, a remarkable wound closure rate of 88.63 ± 1.37 % was achieved. The in vivo experiments revealed that PVP/CS/DHM can promote diabetic wound healing by suppressing the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and enhancing autophagy-related protein as well as CD31 and HIF-1α expression in skin tissues. This study showed that PVP/CS/DHM is a promising wound dressing.

Application of Chitosan-Based Hydrogel in Promoting Wound Healing: A Review

Chitosan is a linear polyelectrolyte with active hydroxyl and amino groups that can be made into chitosan-based hydrogels by different cross-linking methods. Chitosan-based hydrogels also have a three-dimensional network of hydrogels, which can accommodate a large number of aqueous solvents and biofluids. CS, as an ideal drug-carrying material, can effectively encapsulate and protect drugs and has the advantages of being nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. These advantages make it an ideal material for the preparation of functional hydrogels that can act as wound dressings for skin injuries. This review reports the role of chitosan-based hydrogels in promoting skin repair in the context of the mechanisms involved in skin injury repair. Chitosan-based hydrogels were found to promote skin repair at different process stages. Various functional chitosan-based hydrogels are also discussed.

Advanced Drug Carriers: A Review of Selected Protein, Polysaccharide, and Lipid Drug Delivery Platforms

Studies on bionanocomposite drug carriers are a key area in the field of active substance delivery, introducing innovative approaches to improve drug therapy. Such drug carriers play a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of active substances, affecting therapy efficiency and precision. The targeted delivery of drugs to the targeted sites of action and minimization of toxicity to the body is becoming possible through the use of these advanced carriers. Recent research has focused on bionanocomposite structures based on biopolymers, including lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins. This review paper is focused on the description of lipid-containing nanocomposite carriers (including liposomes, lipid emulsions, lipid nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers), polysaccharide-containing nanocomposite carriers (including alginate and cellulose), and protein-containing nanocomposite carriers (e.g., gelatin and albumin). It was demonstrated in many investigations that such carriers show the ability to load therapeutic substances efficiently and precisely control drug release. They also demonstrated desirable biocompatibility, which is a promising sign for their potential application in drug therapy. The development of bionanocomposite drug carriers indicates a novel approach to improving drug delivery processes, which has the potential to contribute to significant advances in the field of pharmacology, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Multifunctional hydrogel/platelet-rich fibrin/nanofibers scaffolds with cell barrier and osteogenesis for guided tissue regeneration/guided bone regeneration applications

Periodontal defect seriously affects people's life health and quality. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) have made great progress in periodontal disease treatment, but some deficiencies existed in commercial materials of GTR and GBR. For obtaining better therapeutic effects, multifunctional composite scaffolds containing different biological macromolecules were developed in this study. Chitosan/poly (γ-glutamic acid)/nano-hydroxyapatite hydrogels (CP/nHA) made by electrostatic interactions and lyophilization were filled in the bone defects to achieve osteogenesis. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) extracted from blood could accelerate bone formation by releasing various bioactive substances as middle layer of composite scaffolds. Polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibers (PG) prepared by electrospinning were attached to the junction of soft and hard tissue, which could prevent fibrous tissue from infiltrating into bone defects. The composite scaffolds showed good morphology, biocompatibility, cell barriers and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. The excellent ability of bone formation was verified by implantation of triple-layered composite scaffolds into alveolar bone defects in rabbit in vivo. The hierarchical structure was conducive to personalized customization to meet the needs of different defects. All in all, the multifunctional scaffolds could play important roles of GTR and GBR in alveolar bone regeneration and provide good application prospect for bone repair in clinic.

Sodium alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol)/taxifolin nanofiber mat promoting diabetic wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and skin flora

Diabetes-related ulcers are still a therapeutic problem because of their susceptibility to infection, ongoing inflammation, and diminished vascularization. The design and development of novel dressings are clinically urgent for the treatment of chronic wounds due to diabetic ulcers. In this study, we made taxifolin (TAX) loaded sodium alginate (SA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers for the treatment of chronic wounds. The SA/PVA/TAX nanofibers that have been created are smooth and bead-free, with good thermal stability, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties. The release profile indicated a sustained drug release, with a cumulative release rate of 64.6 ± 3.7 % at 24 h. In vitro experiments have shown that SA/PVA/TAX has good antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and biocompatibility. In vivo experiments have shown that SA/PVA/TAX exhibits desirable biochemical properties and is involved in the diabetic wound healing process by promoting cell proliferation (Ki67), angiogenesis (CD31, VEGFA), and alleviating inflammation (CD68). Western blotting experiments suggest that SA/PVA/TAX may promote diabetic wound healing by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of VEGFA and PDGFA. The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that SA/PVA/TAX increased the wound surface flora's diversity and reversed the skin microbiota's structural imbalance. Therefore, SA/PVA/TAX can promote diabetic wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and skin flora and has the potential to be an excellent wound dressing.

Multifunctional lipid-based nanoparticles for wound healing and antibacterial applications: A review

Wound healing primarily involves preventing severe infections, accelerating healing, and reducing pain and scarring. Therefore, the multifunctional application of lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNs) has received considerable attention in drug discovery due to their solid or liquid lipid core, which increases their ability to provide prolonged drug release, reduce treatment costs, and improve patient compliance. LBNs have also been used in medical and cosmetic practices and formulated for various products based on skin type, disease conditions, administration product costs, efficiency, stability, and toxicity; therefore, understanding their interaction with biological systems is very important. Therefore, it is necessary to perform an in-depth analysis of the results from a comprehensive characterization process to produce lipid-based drug delivery systems with desired properties. This review will provide detailed information on the different types of LBNs, their formulation methods, characterisation, antimicrobial activity, and application in various wound models (both in vitro and in vivo studies). Also, the clinical and commercial applications of LBNs are summarized.

Hydrogel Tissue Bioengineered Scaffolds in Bone Repair: A Review

Large bone defects due to trauma, infections, and tumors are difficult to heal spontaneously by the body's repair mechanisms and have become a major hindrance to people's daily lives and economic development. However, autologous and allogeneic bone grafts, with their lack of donors, more invasive surgery, immune rejection, and potential viral transmission, hinder the development of bone repair. Hydrogel tissue bioengineered scaffolds have gained widespread attention in the field of bone repair due to their good biocompatibility and three-dimensional network structure that facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, loading natural products with nanoparticles and incorporating them into hydrogel tissue bioengineered scaffolds is one of the most effective strategies to promote bone repair due to the good bioactivity and limitations of natural products. Therefore, this paper presents a brief review of the application of hydrogels with different gel-forming properties, hydrogels with different matrices, and nanoparticle-loaded natural products loaded and incorporated into hydrogels for bone defect repair in recent years.

Research Progress of Dihydroquercetin in the Treatment of Skin Diseases

Skin is a barrier to maintaining the stability of the human environment and preventing the invasion of pathogens. When skin tissue is exposed to the external environment, it will inevitably develop defects due to trauma, injury, burns, ulcers, surgery, and chronic diseases. Rapid skin repair is the key to reducing infection, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. Dihydroquercetin is a kind of flavonoid that has a wide range of pharmacological activities and can improve skin repair, skin inflammation, skin cancer, and so on. In this paper, the application of dihydroquercetin in medical dressings and the research progress in the treatment of skin-related diseases are reviewed, so as to provide reference for further developing dihydroquercetin as a drug for the treatment of skin diseases.