Preparation of Curcumin-Loaded Nanocarriers and its Application on Promoting Wound Healing.

INTRODUCTION

To address curcumin's limitations (e.g., poor solubility and low bioavailability), we developed a curcumin-loaded ZnMgAl-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite (Cur@LDHs), aiming to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in wound healing.

METHODS

The study involves the preparation of ZnMgAl-LDHs as the carrier and the synthesis of Cur@LDHs composites through co-precipitation. Characterization of the composites is performed using XRD and FT-IR. In vitro release experiments are conducted using the dialysis bag method, and stability tests are performed under different temperature conditions. Biocompatibility and cell migration assays are carried out on human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells. In vivo wound healing studies are performed on a rat model, with histological evaluation and ELISA assays for inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

The XRD and FT-IR analyses confirm the successful loading of curcumin onto LDHs. In vitro release experiments show that Cur@LDHs exhibit slow and sustained release characteristics, reducing the cytotoxicity of pure curcumin. Cell migration experiments indicate that Cur@LDHs significantly enhance the migration rate of HSF cells compared to pure curcumin. In vivo studies demonstrate that Cur@LDHs significantly promote wound healing, with reduced inflammatory responses and improved re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. The ELISA results show that Cur@LDHs effectively reduce the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α proteins in traumatic tissues.

DISCUSSION: The Cur@LDHs composite demonstrated significant potential in accelerating wound healing by synergizing the sustained release of curcumin with bioactive Zn2+/Mg2+ ions from the hydrotalcite carrier, which promoted fibroblast migration and collagen deposition. This dual-action mechanism-curcumin suppressing early inflammation (evidenced by reduced IL-1β/TNF-α) and LDH-released ions enhancing tissue regeneration-outperformed free curcumin or LDHs alone in both in vitro and in vivo models. While the system improved curcumin's stability and reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional delivery methods, the study acknowledges limitations such as the lack of environmental simulations (humidity, infection) and a small animal cohort. Nevertheless, the results position Cur@LDHs as a promising bioactive wound dressing capable of stagespecific therapeutic intervention.

CONCLUSION

Cur@LDHs demonstrated enhanced stability, sustained release, and reduced cytotoxicity compared to free curcumin. The composite synergistically accelerated wound healing in vitro (via HSF migration) and in vivo (90% wound closure by day 7 in rats) by modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. This study supports Cur@LDHs as a promising bioactive wound dressing.