Topical Hydrogel Scaffoled Based Therapeutic Drug Delivery System For Controlled Release Treatment Of Chronic Wounds

Abstract

The process of wound healing is a dynamic, effectively orchestrated, and complex process, in which several factors become inhibited and/or activated in steps of sequences. The quality of millions of population’s health continues to suffer a major impact caused by compromised healing of skin wounds, more especially chronic wounds. There are treatment options available for treatment of various kinds of wounds in the form of wound dressings, however, most of the treatments have limitations. Majority do not possess full properties of best possible wound healing dressings system to meet every property in the cascade of healing. Current research is showing interest in dressings that are therapeutically advanced to actively participate in the process of wound healing to achieve complete and fast healing of all types of wounds (acute and chronic wounds). Due to the compromised quality of lives and extended financial burdens, it is every researcher’s desire to achieve expeditious and complete wound healing using advanced strategies. A researcher’s understanding of wound healing process, conditions associated with patients (socioeconomics, health and environmental) and properties associated with types of wound healing materials (physical and chemical dressing properties), achieves successful formulation for treatment of wounds. In the current study, the review section therefore outlines characteristics of skin and wounds, the three key elements involved in the process of wound healing (inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling), current treatment options including advanced management and wound treatments, and physical characteristic of advanced wound dressings. The main purpose of this study was to synthesize a phase morphing tannic acid and carbopol scaffold for targeted chronic wound application. The synthesized scaffolds were subjected to characterization by physicochemical analysis to evaluate their properties employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Texture analyser, Zeta potential, as well as Ultraviolet/Visual (UV/Vis) spectroscopy (nanophotometer). The maximum wavelength (λmax) of Tannic Acid was 265 nm. The in vitro drug release indicates an initial short burst effect for up to 24% of release within 48 hrs, then followed by a slow release for up to 7th day. These ensure initial fast and a later slow and sustained drug release at the site of application. The initials burst release ensure immediate enough bioavailability to trigger therapeutic effects. SEM analysis confirmed spherical conformation of the scaffolds. The mean zeta potential of - 15 mV over 7 days which is indicative of great stability of the scaffold. The combined analysis and results from the formulation of TA-carbopol scaffold showed evidence that these scaffolds dosage form can be utilized as potential invaluable formulation for transdermal controlled drug delivery of TA with improved efficacy and patient conformity.