Ibuprofen loaded PVA/chitosan membranes: A highly efficient strategy towards an improved skin wound healing

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 159; pp. 136 - 145
• Main Authors: Morgado, Patrícia I., Miguel, Sónia P., Correia, Ilídio J., Aguiar-Ricardo, Ana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2017
• Subjects: Composite membranes; Drug delivery systems; Ibuprofen; In vivo assays; Supercritical carbon dioxide; Wound dressings; Composite membranes; Drug delivery systems; Supercritical carbon dioxide; Wound dressings; In vivo assays; Ibuprofen
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.12.029

•Drug loaded hydrogel-based dressings are efficiently prepared by scCO2-assisted phase inversion.•β-CD_IBP loaded PVA/CS dressings display suitable properties for wound management.•β-CDs assure a sustained IBP release during the peak of the inflammatory phase.•IBP-loaded β-CDs carriers prevent an exuberant inflammatory phase.•IBP, a simple NSAID, improves the skin wound healing.
During wound healing, an early inflammation can cause an increase of the wound size and the healing process can be considerably belated if a disproportionate inflammatory response occurs. (S)-ibuprofen (IBP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, has been used for muscle healing and to treat venous leg ulcers, but its effect in skin wound healing has not been thoroughly studied thus far. Herein, IBP-β-cyclodextrins carriers were designed to customise the release profile of IBP from poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) dressings in order to promote a faster skin regeneration. The dressings were produced using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)-assisted technique. In vitro IBP release studies showed that β-cyclodextrins allowed a controlled drug release from the hydrogels which is crucial for their application in wound management. Moreover, the in vivo assays revealed that the presence of PVA/CS membranes containing IBP-β-cyclodextrins carriers avoided scab formation and an excessive inflammation, enabling an earlier skin healing.