Enhancing Wound Healing: A Novel Topical Emulsion Combining CW49 Peptide and Lavender Essential Oil for Accelerated Regeneration and Antibacterial Protection

A biocompatible β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex containing natural extracts: a promising antibiofilm agent

Biofilms formed by several bacterial strains still pose a significant challenge to healthcare due to their resistance to conventional treatment approaches, including antibiotics. This study explores the potential of loading natural extracts with antimicrobial activities into β-cyclodextrin (βCD) nanoparticles, which are FDA-approved and have superior biocompatibility owing to their cyclic sugar structures, for biofilm eradication. An inclusion complex of βCD carrying Boswellia sacra essential oils (BOS) was prepared and characterized with regard to its physicochemical properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and antibiofilm activities. Encapsulation of BOS into βCD significantly enhanced the antimicrobial activity of BOS by 4-fold against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and by 8-fold against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida) bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 5 mg mL-1. Furthermore, the BOS-βCD complex demonstrated a dual-action against bacterial biofilms where it prevented biofilm formation and disrupted established biofilms. This resulted in a significant reduction in biofilm biomass, with prevention and disruption rates reaching up to 93.78% and 82.17%, respectively. Additionally, the formula revealed an excellent biocompatibility profile with no induction of oxidative stress in human skin fibroblast cells. Our findings suggest that βCD nanoparticles loaded with BOS essential oils hold promise as an effective formula for preventing the formation of bacterial biofilms and combating preformed ones for use in relevant medical applications.

Onosma rutila (Boraginaceae) Plant Extract: Chemical Composition, Biological Analysis, and Film Forming Potential With Polymers

This study aimed to integrate the ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of endemic Onosma rutila as a new bioactive ingredient into polymeric films and to produce biofunctional composite thin films for use in biomedical applications. Initially, the definition of the plant extract was carried out in terms of chemical composition and biological activities. The main component of the extract was revealed as 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (15.90%). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against a total of five microorganisms by the well diffusion method and microdilution technique. MIC99 results showed the lowest inhibition against Candida albicans, suggesting a stronger antifungal effect than antibacterial activity. Also, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of O. rutila, ascorbic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene at 500 µg/mL showed values ​​of 87.63, 90.13, and 46.82%, respectively. In the next phase, the extract, which was revealed to be an effective biological agent, was incorporated into the polymer solutions prepared based on chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol at different ratios to produce a series of thin films. For application purposes, the thin films' chemical compositions, water retention capacities, and morphological properties were determined and their potential for use as wound dressing material was evaluated.

Rat model evaluation for healing-promoting effectiveness and antimicrobial activity of electron beam synthesized (polyvinyl alcohol-pectin)- silver doped zinc oxide hydrogel dressings enriched with lavender oil

Ag/ZnO NPs and lavender oil (LVO) were incorporated into (polyvinyl alcohol/pectin) (PVA/Pet) dressings using electron beam irradiation technology. The Ag/ZnO NPs were prepared using the precipitation method and characterized using XRD, FTIR, and EDX techniques. TEM micrograph shows their spherical appearance with an average size of around 27.4 nm. The increase in the (PVA: Pet) feed solution concentration up to 30% enhances the gel content to 92%. The swelling degree reaches 1674% using 80 wt% pectin content. Meanwhile, increasing the irradiation dose up to 45 kGy increases the gel fraction and negatively affects the swelling capabilities. Incorporating Ag/ZnO NPs and LVO slightly decreased the gel fraction, the swelling degree, and the dressing's porosity reached 87%. In pseudo extracellular fluids, dressings with 10% LVO demonstrate 419% swelling capacities, and their WVTR reaches 271.1 g/m2h. Dressings show biocompatibility, antimicrobial potential, and excellent wound healing capacity towards the excisional wound model in rats, as confirmed by the histological and biochemical results. LVO-(PVA/Pet)-Ag/ZnO dressings may accelerate tissue granulation and remodeling by replacing lost collagen and cause the wound to constrict by upregulating markers associated with wound healing so that it can be recommended as a wound healing candidate.

Essential oils: a potential alternative with promising active ingredients for pharmaceutical formulations in chronic wound management

Chronic wound is a major clinical challenge that complicates wound healing, mainly associated with bacterial biofilms. Bacterial burden damages tissue and persists inflammation, failing to granulate, leading to morbidity and mortality. Various therapeutic strategies and approaches have been developed for chronic wound healing in clinical practice. As treating biofilm infection is crucial in chronic wounds, a potent antibiofilm agent, essential oils have been explored extensively for their therapeutic properties and as a replacement for antibiotic therapy. Currently, several studies on essential oils and their active compounds in therapeutics, such as adjunctive therapies, nanotechnology-based treatment and their drug delivery systems, help heal chronic wounds. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of essential oils make them distinct and are renowned as natural remedies to improve the healing of infected chronic wounds. Consequently, it accelerates wound closure by reducing inflammation, increasing angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. This review focuses on different essential oils and their active compounds that are exploited for the treatment of biofilm infection, chronic inflammation and wound healing. Thus, an effective novel treatment can be developed to improve the current treatment strategy to overcome multidrug resistance bacteria or antibiotic resistance in various chronic wound infections that support wound healing.

Microenvironment-Responsive Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Curcumin-Loaded Tea Polyphenol Particles for Accelerating Infected Wound Healing

Multiphase Pickering emulsions, including two or more active agents, are of great importance to effectively manage complicated wounds. However, current strategies based on Pickering emulsions are still unsatisfying since they involve only stabilization by inactive particles and encapsulation of the hydrophobic drugs in the oil phase. Herein, thyme essential oil (TEO) was encapsulated in the shell of functional tea polyphenol (TP)-curcumin (Cur) nanoparticles (TC NPs) to exemplarily develop a novel Pickering emulsion (TEO/TC PE). Hydrophobic Cur was loaded with hydrophilic TP to obtain TC NPs, and under homogenization, these TC NPs adsorbed on the surface of TEO droplets to form a stable core-shell structure. Owing to such an oil-in-water (O/W) structure, the sequential release of the first Cur from pH-responsive disintegrated TC NPs and then the leaked TEO from the emulsion yielded synergetic functions of TEO/TC PE, leading to enhanced antibacterial, biofilm elimination, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This injectable TEO/TC PE was applied to treat the infected full-thickness skin defects, and satisfactory wound healing effects were achieved with rapid angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and skin regeneration. The present TEO/TC PE constituted entirely of plant-sourced active products is biosafe and expected to spearhead the future development of novel wound dressings.

Development and Evaluation of a Stable Oil-in-Water Emulsion with High Ostrich Oil Concentration for Skincare Applications

This study investigates the development of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion enriched with a high concentration of ostrich oil, recognized for its abundant content of oleic acid (34.60 ± 0.01%), tailored for skincare applications. Using Span and Tween emulsifiers, we formulated an optimized emulsion with 20% w/w ostrich oil and a 15% w/w blend of Span 20 and Tween 80. This formulation, achieved via homogenization at 3800 rpm for 5 min, yielded the smallest droplet size (5.01 ± 0.43 μm) alongside an appropriate zeta potential (-32.22 mV). Our investigation into the influence of Span and Tween concentrations, types, and ratios on the stability of 20% w/w ostrich oil emulsions, maintaining a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 5.5, consistently demonstrated the superior stability of the optimized emulsion across various formulations. Cytotoxicity assessments on human dermal fibroblasts affirmed the safety of the emulsion. Notably, the emulsion exhibited a 52.20 ± 2.01% inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation, surpassing the 44.70 ± 1.94% inhibition observed for ostrich oil alone. Moreover, it demonstrated a superior inhibitory zone against Staphylococcus aureus (12.32 ± 0.19 mm), compared to the 6.12 ± 0.15 mm observed for ostrich oil alone, highlighting its enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties and strengthening its potential for skincare applications. The optimized emulsion also demonstrates the release of 78.16 ± 1.22% of oleic acid across the cellulose acetate membrane after 180 min of study time. This successful release of oleic acid further enhances the overall efficacy and versatility of the optimized emulsion. Stability assessments, conducted over 6 months at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 45 °C), confirmed the emulsion's sustained physicochemical and microbial stability, supporting its promise for topical applications. Despite minor fluctuations in acid values (AV) and peroxide values (PV), the results remained within the acceptable limits. This research elucidates the crucial role of emulsification in optimizing the efficacy and stability of ostrich oil in skincare formulations, providing valuable insights for practical applications where stability is paramount.

Essential Oils of Some Potential Medicinal Plants and their Wound Healing Activities

The wound has been recognised as a deep cut or tearing of the epidermis, which is also referred to as trauma and harm to the body tissues. Healing of wounds requires a coordinated series of cellular processes, including cell attraction, proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis. These processes involve interactions between various cells, such as macrophages, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, growth hormones, and proteases. The outcome of wounds can be fatal if not treated properly, resulting in chronic wounds, chronic pain, and even death. Wound healing is replacing missing tissue with tissue repairs and regeneration. Some local variables are the presence of tissue maceration, foreign objects, biofilm, hypoxia, ischemia, and wound infection. Sustained growth factor delivery, siRNA delivery, micro-RNA targeting, and stem cell therapy are all emerging possible therapeutic approaches for wound healing. Traditional approaches, such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicines, are also being used for treatment. The therapeutic application of nanoformulations in wound infections has shown various beneficial effects. Several herbal medicines, especially essential oils have shown potential wound healing activities, such as lavender, tea tree, sesame, olive, etc. Various nanoparticles and their nanoformulations have been explored in wound healing therapy. The present review article highlights several aspects of essential oils for wound healing activity through a novel drug delivery system. Further, some patents on wound healing through herbal medicine have been listed.

Development and characterization of a poloxamer hydrogel composed of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) for reepithelization of skin injuries

Wound healing is a natural physiological reaction to tissue injury. Hydrogels show attractive advantages in wound healing not only due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility and permeability but also because provide an excellent environment for cell migration and proliferation. The main objective of the present study was the design and characterization of a hydrogel loaded with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) for use in would healing of superficial skin injures. Poloxamer 407® was used as biocompatible biomaterial to embed hMSCs. The developed hydrogel containing 20 % (w/w) of polymer resulted in the best formulation with respect to physical, mechanical, morphological and biological properties. Its high swelling capacity confirmed the hydrogel's capacity to absorb wounds' exudate. LIVE/DEAD® assay confirm that hMSCs remained viable for at least 48 h when loaded into the hydrogels. Adding increasing concentrations of hMSCs-loaded hydrogel to the epithelium did not affect keratinocytes' viability and healing capacity and all wound area was closed in less than one day. Our study opens opportunities to exploit poloxamer hydrogels as cell carriers for the treatment of skin superficial wound.

Alginate-Based Hydrogels Enriched with Lavender Essential Oil: Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vivo Biocompatibility

Owing to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, in the last few years, lavender essential oil (LVO) has been used in medical applications as a promising approach for treating infected wounds. However, the practical applicability of LVO is limited by its high volatility and storage stability. This study aimed to develop a novel hybrid hydrogel by combining phytic acid (PA)-crosslinked sodium alginate (SA) and poly(itaconic anhydride-co-3,9-divinyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5] undecane (PITAU) and evaluate its potential effectiveness as an antibacterial wound dressing after incorporating LVO. The influence of the mass ratio between SA and PITAU on the properties and stability of hydrogels was investigated. After LVO loading, the effect of oil addition to hydrogels on their functional properties and associated structural changes was studied. FTIR analysis revealed that hydrogen bonding is the primary interaction mechanism between components in the hybrid hydrogels. The morphology was analyzed using SEM, evidencing a porosity dependent on the ratio between SA and PITAU, while LVO droplets were well dispersed in the polymer blend. The release of LVO from the hydrogels was determined using UV-VIS spectroscopy, indicating a sustained release over time, independent of the LVO concentration. In addition, the hybrid hydrogels were tested for their antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Very good antimicrobial activity was obtained in the case of sample SA_PITAU3+LVO10% against S. aureus and C. albicans. Moreover, in vivo tests showed an increased antioxidant effect of the SA_PITAU3+LVO10% hydrogel compared to the oil-free scaffold that may aid in accelerating the healing process of wounds.

Antimicrobial Properties and Assessment of the Content of Bioactive Compounds Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Cultivated in Southern Poland

Lavender is a valued plant due to its cosmetic, perfumery, culinary, and health benefits. A wide range of applications is related to the composition of bioactive compounds, the quantity and quality of which is determined by various internal and external factors, i.e., variety, morphological part of the plant, and climatic and soil conditions during vegetation. In the presented work, the characterization of antimicrobial properties as well as the qualitative and quantitative assessment of bioactive compounds in the form of polyphenols in ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. intended for border hedges, cultivated in the region of southern Poland, were determined. The composition of the fraction of volatile substances and antioxidant properties were also assessed. The conducted research shows that extracts from leaves and flowers significantly affected the viability of bacterial cells and the development of mold fungi. A clear decrease in the viability of bacteria and C. albicans cells was shown in the concentration of 0.32% of extracts. Leaf extracts were characterized by a much higher content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties than flower extracts. The composition of volatiles measured by GC-MS was significantly different between the extracts. Linalyl acetate and ocimene isomers mix dominated in flower extracts, whereas coumarin, γ-cadinene, and 7-methoxycoumarin were identified as dominant in leaf extracts.