Search

Chronic wounds are a common and debilitating condition associated with aging populations that impact more than 6.5 million patients in the United States. We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of daily topical 1% valsartan in treating wounds in diabetic mouse and pig models. Despite these promising results, there remains a need to develop an extended‐release formulation that would reduce patient burden by decreasing the frequency of daily applications. Here, we used nanotechnology to self‐assemble valsartan amphiphiles into a filamentous structure (val‐filaments) that would serve as a scaffold in wound beds and allow for steady, localised and tunable release of valsartan amphiphiles over 24 days. Two topical treatments of this peptide‐based hydrogel on full‐thickness wounds in Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats resulted in faster rates of wound closure. By day 23, all val‐filament treated wounds were completely closed, as compared to one wound closed in the placebo group. Mechanistically, we observed enrichment of proteins involved in cell adhesion and energetics pathways, downregulation of Tgf‐β signalling pathway mediators (pSmad2, pSmad3 and Smad4) and increased mitochondrial metabolic pathway intermediates. This study demonstrates the successful synthesis of a sustained‐release valsartan filament hydrogel, its impact on mitochondrial energetics and efficacy in treating diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCDMSC) are attractive candidates for cell‐based regenerative medicine. However, they are susceptible to replicative senescence during repetitive passaging for in‐vitro expansion and induced senescence in an oxidative, inflammatory microenvironment in vivo. Aim of this study is to investigate if honey‐incorporated matrices can be employed to reduce senescence of UCDMSC. Matrices were prepared by electrospinning solutions of honey with poly‐vinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA:honey matrices exhibited free radical scavenging activity. Culture of UCDMSC on PVA:honey matrices showed improvement in cell proliferation compared to pure PVA nanofibres. Expression of vimentin indicated that mesenchymal phenotype is preserved after culturing on these matrices. Further, UCDMSC were serially subcultured and cells of two passages (P2 and P6) were evaluated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) load and senescence parameters. P6 cells showed a higher ROS load and β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) positive senescent cells compared to P2. However, culturing on PVA:honey substrates significantly reduced both ROS and β‐gal markers compared to cells on PVA substrates. Honey contains several antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory components, which can reduce the ROS‐related senescence. Thus, it is concluded that honey containing nanofibres can be effective substrates for stem cell‐based wound healing and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study to report the green synthesis of Lobelia trigona Roxb‐ mediated silver nanoparticles (LTAgNPs). The optical and structural properties of the synthesised LTAgNPs were analysed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering and energy dispersive X‐ray. LTAgNps were evaluated for their anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal properties against 18 pathogens and exhibited significant inhibition against all the strains tested. LTAgNPs had potential scavenging effects on the DPPH, • OH, O2•− free radical scavenging assays and reducing power assay. LTAgNps possess strong anti‐cancer activity against five human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231, HeLa and KB) in a dose‐dependent manner. The antiproliferative, anti‐inflammatory and genotoxicity effects of LTAgNPs were further confirmed by the lactate dehydrogenase release assay, nitric oxide inhibitory assay and comet assay. Furthermore, the incision, excision and burn wound‐healing activity of formulated LTAgNPs ointment was assessed in rats. All the wounds had significant healing in groups treated with LTAgNPs ointment compared to the groups treated with the commonly prescribed ointment (SilverexTM). This study shows and suggests that the previously unreported LTAgNPs could be used as a nanomedicine with significant biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing has long been recognised as a major clinical challenge for which stablishing more effective wound therapies is necessary. The generation of metallic nanocomposites using biological compounds is emerging as a new promising strategy for this purpose. In this study, four metallic nanoparticles (NPs) with propolis extract (Ext) and one without propolis including ZnO/Ext, ZnO/Ag/Ext, ZnO/CuO/Ext, ZnO/Ag/CuO/Ext and ZnO/W were prepared by microwave method and assessed for their wound healing activity on excision experimental model of wounds in rats. The developed nanocomposites have been characterised by physico‐chemical methods such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. The wounded animals treated with the NPs/Ext in five groups for 18 days. Every 6 days, for measuring wound closure rate, three samples of each group were examined for histopathological analysis. The prepared tissue sections were investigated by haematoxylin and Eosin stainings for the formation of epidermis, dermis and muscular and Masson's trichrome staining for the formation of collagen fibres. These findings toughly support the probability of using this new ZnO/Ag/Ext materials dressing for a wound care performance with significant effect compared to other NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great need for the progress of composite biomaterials, which are effective for tissue engineering applications. In this work, the development of composite electrospun nanofibres based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen hydrolysate (CH) loaded with ferulic acid (FA) for the treatment of chronic wounds. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been applied to nanofibres factor manufacturing assisted by electrospinning. For wound healing applications, the authors have created the efficacy of CH, and PCL membranes can act as a stable, protective cover for wound, enabling continuous FA release. The findings of the RSM showed a reasonably good fit with a polynomial equation of the second order which was statistically acceptable at P < 0.05. The optimised parameters include the quantity of hydrolysate collagen, the voltage applied and the distance from tip‐to‐collector. Based on the Box–Behnken design, the RSM was used to create a mathematical model and optimise nanofibres with minimum diameter production conditions. Using FTIR, TGA and SEM, optimised nanofibres were defined. In vitro, cytocompatibility trials showed that there was an important cytocompatibility of the optimised nanofibres, which was proved by cell proliferation and cell morphology. In this research, the mixed nanofibres of PCL and CH with ferulic could be a potential biomaterial for wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated whether the nanofibers produced by natural‐synthetic polymers can probably promote the proliferation of co‐cultured adipose‐derived stem cells/human fibroblast cells (ADSs/HFCs) and synthesis of collagen. Nanofiber was fabricated by blending gelatin and poly (L‐lactide co‐ɛ‐caprolactone) (PLCL) polymer nanofiber (Gel/PLCL). Cell morphology and the interaction between cells and Gel/PLCL nanofiber were evaluated by FESEM and fluorescent microscopy. MTS assay and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were applied to assess the proliferation of co‐cultured ADSs/HFCs and the collagen type I and III synthesis, respectively. The concentrations of two cytokines including fibroblast growth factor‐basic and transforming growth factor‐β1 were also measured in culture medium of co‐cultured ADSs/HDCs using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay assay. Actually, nanofibers exhibited proper structural properties in terms of stability in cell proliferation and toxicity analysis processes. Gel/PLCL nanofiber promoted the growth and the adhesion of HFCs. Our results showed in contact co‐culture of ADSs/HFCs on the Gel/PLCL nanofiber increased cellular adhesion and proliferation synergistically compared to non‐coated plate. Also, synthesis of collagen and cytokines secretion of co‐cultured ADSs/HFCs on Gel/PLCL scaffolds is significantly higher than non‐coated plates. To conclude, the results suggest that Gel/PLCL nanofiber can imitate physiological characteristics in vivo and enhance the efficacy of co‐cultured ADSs/HFCs in wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, chlorhexidine (CHX)–silver (Ag) hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) coated gauze was developed, and their bactericidal effect and in vivo wound healing capacities were tested. A new method was developed to synthesise the NPs, wherein Ag nitrate mixed with sodium (Na) metaphosphate and reduced using Na borohydride. Finally, CHX digluconate was added to form the hybrid NPs. To study the antibacterial efficacy of particles, the minimal inhibition concentration and biofilm degradation capacity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was studied using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicated that the NP inhibited biofilm formation and was bactericidal as well. The gauze was doped with NPs, and its wound healing property was evaluated using mice model. Results indicated that the wound healing process was fastened by using the NPs gauze doped with NPs without the administration of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a series of different dynamic and complex phenomena. Many studies have been carried out based on the type and severity of wounds. However, to recover wounds faster there are no suitable drugs available, which are highly stable, less expensive as well as has no side effects. Nanomaterials have been proven to be the most promising agent for faster wound healing among all the other wound healing materials. This review briefly discusses the recent developments of wound healing by nanotechnology, their applicability and advantages. Nanomaterials have unique physicochemical, optical, and biological properties. Some of them can be directly applied for wound healing or some of them can be incorporated into scaffolds to create hydrogel matrix or nanocomposites, which promote wound healing through their antimicrobial, as well as selective anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory, and proangiogenic properties. Owing to their high surface area to volume ratio, nanomaterials have not only been used for drug delivery vectors but also can affect wound healing by influencing collagen deposition and realignment and provide approaches for skin tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound care has been clinically demanding due to inefficacious treatment that represents an economic burden for healthcare systems. In Europe, approximately 7 million people are diagnosed with untreated wounds, leading to a cost between 6.000€ and 10.000€ per patient/year. In the United States of America, 1.5 million people over 65 years old suffer from chronic wounds. A promising therapeutic strategy is the use of exogenous growth factors because they are decreased at the wound site, limiting the recovery of the skin. Insulin is one of the cheapest growth factors in the market able to accelerate the re-epithelialization and stimulate angiogenesis and cell migration. However, the effectiveness of topical insulin in wound healing is hampered by the proteases in the wound bed. The encapsulation into nanoparticles improves its stability in the wound, providing adhesion to the mucosal surface and allowing its sustained release. The aim of this review is to perform a standing point about a promising strategy to treat different types of wounds by the topical delivery of insulin-loaded nanocarriers.

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with their unique chemical and physical properties are proving as a new therapeutical agent. In the present study, the AgNPs synthesised from an aqueous extract of a macrofungus, Earliella scabrosa, were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and further evaluate for its in vitro antibacterial and wound healing efficacy. The mycosynthesised AgNPs exhibited the surface plasmon resonance peak at 410 nm with good stability over a period of a month. The FESEM and EDX analyses revealed the spherical‐shaped AgNPs of an average size of 20 nm and the presence of elemental Ag, respectively. The XRD pattern showed the crystalline nature of AgNPs. The FTIR spectra confirmed the conversion of Ag+ ions to AgNPs due to reduction by biomolecules of macrofungus extract. The mycosynthesised AgNPs showed effective antibacterial activity against two Gram‐positive bacteria, namely Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and two Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pathogens were highly sensitive to AgNPs, whereas less sensitive to AgNO3. The mycosynthesised AgNPs showed significant wound healing potential with 68.58% of wound closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on fabrication and characterisation of porous composite scaffold containing hydroxyapatite (HAP), chitosan, and gelatin with an average pore size of 250–1010 nm for improving wound repair and regeneration by Electrospinning method. From the results of X ‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) study, the peaks correspond to crystallographic structure of HAP powder. The presence of functional group bonds of HAP powder, Chitosan and scaffold was studied using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology of the scaffold was observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The Bioactivity of the Nano composite scaffolds was studied using simulated body fluid solution at 37 ± 1°C. The biodegradability test was studied using Tris‐Buffer solution for the prepared nanocomposites [nano Chitosan, nano Chitosan gelatin, Nano based Hydroxyapatite Chitosan gelatin]. The cell migration and potential biocompatibility of nHAP‐chitosan‐gelatin scaffold was assessed via wound scratch assay and were compared to povedeen as control. Cytocompatibility evaluation for Vero Cells using wound scratch assay showed that the fabricated porous nanocomposite scaffold possess higher cell proliferation and growth than that of povedeen. Thus, the study showed that the developed nanocomposite scaffolds are potential candidates for regenerating damaged cell tissue in wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the use of 'green' synthesised nanoparticles with environmentally friendly properties is considered a novel therapeutic approach in medicine. Here, the authors evaluated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with Tragopogon dubius leaf extract and their antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. Colour changes from yellow to dark brown and a peak at 560 nm on ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were performed to determine particle sizes and functional groups involved in gold reduction. Moreover, using standard micro‐dilution and disc‐diffusion assays against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, the antimicrobial properties of synthesised AuNPs were investigated. To confirm antibacterial activity, synthesised AuNPs were applied in a rat model on burn wounds infected with S. aureus, and the nanoparticles were as effective as tetracycline in bacterial reduction and wound healing. In conclusion, the synthesis of AuNPs with aqueous T. dubius extract was rapid, simple, and inexpensive, and the synthesised nanoparticles had significant antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (ɛ‐caprolactone)–chitosan–poly (vinyl alcohol) (PCL: Cs: PVA) nanofibrous blend scaffolds were known as useful materials for skin wound healing and would help the healing process about 50% faster at the final time point. From the previous studies by the authors, PCL: Cs: PVA (in 2: 1: 1.5 mass ratio) nanofibres showed high efficacy in healing on rat models. In this study, the scaffolds were examined in burn and excision wounds healing on dogs as bigger models. The scaffolds were applied on dorsum skin wounds (n = 5) then macroscopic and microscopic investigations were carried out to measure the wounds areas and to track healing rate, respectively. Macroscopic results showed good aspect healing effect of scaffolds compared with control wounds especially after 21 days post‐operating for both cutting and burn wounds. Pathological studies showed that the healing rates of the wounds covered with PCL: Cs: PVA nanofibrous scaffolds were much rapid compared to untreated wounds in control group. The immunogenicity of the scaffolds in canine model was also investigated. The findings showed that nanofibrous blend scaffolds was not immunogenic in humoural immune responses. All these results indicated that PCL: Cs: PVA nanofibrous web could be considered as promising materials for wounds healings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, silver (Ag) and Ag–zinc oxide (ZnO) composite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesised and studied their wound‐healing efficacy on rat model. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy of AgNPs displayed an intense surface plasmon (SP) resonance absorption at 450 nm. After the addition of aqueous Zn acetate solution, SP resonance band has shown at 413.2 nm indicating a distinct blue shift of about 37 nm. X‐ray diffraction analysis Ag–ZnO composite NPs displayed existence of two mixed sets of diffraction peaks, i.e. both Ag and ZnO, whereas AgNPs exhibited face‐centred cubic structures of metallic Ag. Scanning electron microscope (EM) and transmission EM analyses of Ag–ZnO composite NPs revealed the morphology to be monodispersed hexagonal and quasi‐hexagonal NPs with distribution of particle size of 20–40 nm. Furthermore, the authors investigated the wound‐healing properties of Ag–ZnO composite NPs in an animal model and found that rapid healing within 10 days when compared with pure AgNPs and standard drug dermazin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explored biological synthesis of metallic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the less explored non‐pathogenic coprophilous fungus, sterile mycelium, PM0651419 and evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of biosynthesised AgNPs when impregnated in wound fabrics and in combination with six antimicrobial agents. AgNPs alone proved to be potent antibacterial agents and in combination they enhanced the antibacterial activity and spectrum of antibacterials used in the study against a microbiologically diverse battery of Gram positive, Gram negative and multidrug‐resistant bacteria. AgNPs impregnated on the wound dressings established their antibacterial activity by significantly reducing the bacterial load of pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis e stablishing potential as effective antimicrobial wound dressings for treatment of polymicrobial wound infections. This study presents the first report on the potential of biosynthesis of AgNPs from the under explored class of coprophilous fungi. Their promise to be used in wound dressings and as potent antibacterials alone and in combination is evaluated [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, a novel wound dressing material has been woven by electrospinning technique and tested for its various properties. For the nanofibre mat, a mixture of polyurethane (PU) and soy protein isolate (SPI) was electrospun in conjugation with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps) and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl) to produce fibrous mats viz. PU/SPI/ZnO and PU/SPI/CipHCl. An optimum ratio (1 : 1) of PU/SPI was used as suitable polymeric ratio in order to produce homogenous nanofibres without beads having an average diameter in the range of 300–350 nm. The electrospun nanofibre‐based mats were characterised using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of the nanofibrous mats were tested using universal testing machine. The wettability analysis was done using the contact angle measurement based on the sessile drop test. This study revealed that the electrospun PU/SPI‐based nanofibres are non‐sensitizing, non‐allergic and non‐toxic and that it can be used as a peculiar wound healing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio‐ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was made by using the aqueous leaf extract of Ardisia solanacea. Rapid formation of AgNPs was observed from silver nitrate upon treatment with the aqueous extract of A. solanacea leaf. The formation and stability of the AgNPs in the colloidal solution were monitored by UV–visible spectrophotometer. The mean particle diameter of AgNPs was calculated from the DLS with an average size ∼4 nm and ∼65 nm. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of alcohols, aldehydes, flavonoids, phenols and nitro compounds in the leaf which act as the stabilizing agent. Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was performed using agar well diffusion and broth dilution method against the Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Further, robust anti‐oxidative potential was evaluated by DPPH assay. The highest antimicrobial activity of synthesized AgNPs was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28.2 ± 0.52 mm) whereas moderate activity was found against Bacillus subtilis (16.1 ± 0.76), Candida kruseii (13.0 ± 1.0), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (12.6 ± 1.52). Moreover, the potential wound healing activity was observed against the BJ‐5Ta normal fibroblast cell line. Current research revealed that A. solanacea was found to be a suitable source for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one‐pot synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the medium‐polar extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. is presented here as an alternative synthesis of metal NPs. Characterisation of the formed NPs showed polydispersed AgNPs ranging from 15 to 100 nm where the concentration of metal ions was found to play a role in the size and shape of the prepared NPs. It could be established that the flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids present in the extract acted as both reducing and stabilising agents during the formation of the capped metal NPs. This means of NP synthesis was also employed during the in situ immobilisation of AgNPs on gauze and plaster. An evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the medium‐polar D. adscendens extract, AgNPs suspended in solution, and the immobilised AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) showed high efficacy against the latter in particular. This suggests that gauze, dilute silver nitrate solutions, and D. adscendens extract could be used successfully in the simple in situ preparation of effective antibacterial wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the optimum preparation parameters of chitosan‐silver nanoparticles composite (CSNC) with promising antibacterial activity against the most common bacterial infections found on burn wounds. CSNC was synthesised by simple green chemical reduction method with different preparation factors. Chitosan was used to reduce silver nitrate and stabilise silver nanoparticles in the medium. For this reason, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as, ultraviolet‐visible Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used in the study of the molecular and morphological properties of the resultant composites. Furthermore, the composite was assessed in terms of Ag‐ions release by AAS and its efficacy as antibacterial material. As a result, CSNC showed stronger antibacterial effect than its individual components (chitosan and silver nitrate solutions) towards Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria. CSNC prepared in this study showed highest inhibition percentage of bacterial growth up to 96% at concentration of 220 μg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, bacterial magnetosomes were used as a carrier molecule to couple with lemon grass extract (LGE) for the prevention of microbial biofilm in wound dressing material. Magnetosomes were extracted from Magnetospirillum sp. VITRJS‐1 and characterised by microscopic and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The phytochemical analyses of the extract showed the presence of bioactive compounds that are reported for antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activity. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of antimicrobial citral and fernesal compounds. The extract was conjugated onto the magnetosomes and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The prepared magnetosome–lemon grass extract (MLGE) was evaluated for its antibiofilm property against the biofilm‐forming pathogens Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus on wound dressing material by plate assay. The results indicated that the number of colonies formed was considerably reduced in MLGE coated wound dressing compared with that of LGE and control. Furthermore, SEM analysis displayed that the MLGE drastically reduced the spread of biofilm formation. Thus, MLGE coated wound dressings are effective in preventing the microbial biofilm formation, and further investigation on animal models will enable its use commercially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to introduce natural‐based polymers, chitosan and starch, to design a remedial nanocomposite, comprising of cerium oxide nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles, to investigate their effects in accelerating wound healing and in wound microbial load. Cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized in starch solution added to the colloidal dispersion of synthesized silver nanoparticles in chitosan to make a three‐component nanomaterial. Mice were anaesthetized and two parallel full‐thickness round wounds were excised under aseptic conditions with the help of sterile dermal biopsy punch. Furthermore, effects of silver‐chitosan and silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite had evaluated on rate of wound closure and collagen density and on microbial load of wound in full‐thickness model. Results showed that both silver chitosan and silver‐cerium‐chitosan had significant impact on acceleration of wound closure and collagen content and on reduction of wound microbial load in comparison with control group, which was, received no treatments. However, the silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite is more potent than silver‐chitosan group and control group in wound closure. The wound healing effects of silver‐cerium‐chitosan nanocomposite are due to unique features of its three components and this nanocomposite promises impressive remedies for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is the natural biopolymer normally used as supporting agent with enhanced applicability and properties. In present study, cellulose isolated from citrus waste is used for silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) impregnation by a simple and reproducible method. The Ag‐NPs fabricated cellulose (Ag‐Cel) was characterised by powder X‐rays diffraction, Fortier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability was studied by thermo‐gravimetric analysis. The antibacterial activity performed by disc diffusion assay reveals good zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by Ag‐Cel as compared Ag‐NPs. The discs also displayed more than 90% reduction of S. aureus culture in broth within 150 min. The Ag‐Cel discs also demonstrated minor 2,2‐diphenyl 1‐picryl‐hydrazyl radical scavenging activity and total reducing power ability while moderate total antioxidant potential was observed. Ag‐Cel effectively degrades methylene‐blue dye up to 63.16% under sunlight irradiation in limited exposure time of 60 min. The Ag‐NPs impregnated cellulose can be effectively used in wound dressing to prevent bacterial attack and scavenger of free radicals at wound site, and also as filters for bioremediation and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing requires a series of cellular events and a cascade of co‐ordinated and systemic biochemical events. Silver nanoparticles possess many beneficial properties for wound management including antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory and pro‐healing properties. In this study, the authors investigated the wound healing properties of Cinnamomum verum extract mediated nanosilver (CENS) particles in comparison with 1% povidone iodine, citrate mediate NS and CE treatments. The topical application of CENS showed good antibacterial activity and accelerated wound healing with complete epithelialisation and normal re‐growth of hair in all three models of study: namely, excision, incision and dead space models in rats compared with all other treatments. CENS was also found to promote collagen synthesis, stabilise wound besides countering oxidative stress and stimulating cellular proliferation CENS could be a novel therapeutic agent for wound management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan‐poly (vinyl alcohol) (Cs: PVA) (2:3) and poly (caprolactone)‐chitosan‐poly (vinyl alcohol) (PCL: Cs: PVA) (2:1:1.5) nanofibrous blend scaffolds were fabricated using the electrospinning technique in the authors' previous studies. The results of the previous studies confirmed the high biological properties of the scaffolds and their ability in healing of burn and excision wounds on rat model. In the present study, the biological scaffolds were applied on diabetic dorsum skin wounds and diabetic foot wound on rat models (n = 16). Macroscopic and microscopic investigations were carried out using digital images and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining respectively, to measure the wound areas and to track wound healing rate. It was found that at all time points the areas of wounds treated with nanofibrous scaffolds were smaller compared with the controls. Pathological results showed much better healing efficacy for the test samples compared with the control ones. Pathological investigations proved the presence of more pronounced granulation tissues in the scaffold‐treated wounds compared with the control ones. At 20 days post excision, the scaffold‐treated groups achieved complete repair. The results indicated that Cs: PVA and PCL: Cs: PVA nanofibrous webs could be considered to be promising materials for burn, excision and diabetic wounds healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, N, O‐carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) samples from virgin chitosan (CS) were synthesised and CMCS/polyethylene oxide (PEO) (50/50) blend nanofibrous samples were successfully electrospun from their aqueous solution. The electrospinning conditions to achieve smooth and fine diameter nanofibrous mats were optimised via D‐optimal design approach. Afterwards, vitamin C and phenytoin sodium (PHT‐Na) were added to these samples for producing wound dressing materials. H‐nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared tests for the evaluation of functionalised CS, morphology and biodegradability studies of CMCS/PEO blend nanofibrous samples were applied. The kinetic and drug release mechanism for vitamin C and PHT‐Na drug‐loaded electrospun samples were also investigated by UV‐vis spectrophotometer and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results showed an approximately similar drug release rate of the two drugs and followed Higuchi's kinetic model. The stem cells viability and their adhesion on the surface of the samples containing PHT‐Na and vitamin C were carried out using MTT assay and the best cells' biocompatibility was obtained using both drugs into the CMCS/PEO nanofibrous samples. Moreover, the in vivo animal wound model results revealed that the electrospun samples containing vitamin C and PHT‐Na (1%) had a remarkable efficiency in the wounds' closure and their healing process compared with vitamin C/PHT‐Na (50/50) ointment. Finally, the histology observations showed that the wound treated with optimised electrospun samples containing two drugs enabled regeneration of epidermis layers due to collagen fibres accumulation followed by granulating tissues formation without necrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scientists have focused their research on the role of nanotechnology for the control of human pathogens, but there are also many topical pathogens present in animals, which infect animals and transfer to humans. Topical therapy is extremely important for the management of dermatological condition in animals. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with herbal oils against animal skin infections which may be responsible for causing infections in human beings. Here, the authors synthesised and characterised the AgNPs from Azadirachta indica. The oils were extracted from medicinal plants including Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martini, Eucalyptus globules, A. indica and Ocimum sanctum and the antifungal and antibacterial activity of plant oils along with AgNPs were evaluated. An excision wound model was used for the study of wound healing activity in rabbits. AgNPs functionalised oil has demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity against pathogens present on the skin of animals. The nano‐functionalised antimicrobial oils were used in the formulation of shampoo, soap and ointment for veterinary dermatology. Antimicrobial products of plant origin with AgNPs are valuable, safe and have a specific role in controlling diseases. The authors believe that this approach will be a good alternative therapy to solve the continuous antibiotic resistance developed by many bacterial pathogens and will be utilised in various animal contacting areas in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound care has been clinically demanding due to inefficacious treatment that represents an economic burden for healthcare systems. In Europe, approximately 7 million people are diagnosed with untreated wounds, leading to a cost between 6.000€ and 10.000€ per patient/year. In the United States of America, 1.5 million people over 65 years old suffer from chronic wounds. A promising therapeutic strategy is the use of exogenous growth factors because they are decreased at the wound site, limiting the recovery of the skin. Insulin is one of the cheapest growth factors in the market able to accelerate the re-epithelialization and stimulate angiogenesis and cell migration. However, the effectiveness of topical insulin in wound healing is hampered by the proteases in the wound bed. The encapsulation into nanoparticles improves its stability in the wound, providing adhesion to the mucosal surface and allowing its sustained release. The aim of this review is to perform a standing point about a promising strategy to treat different types of wounds by the topical delivery of insulin-loaded nanocarriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]