Cotton Gauze Impregnated With Chitosan Nanoparticle-Loaded Recombinant Human Lactoferrin for Targeting Bacteria-Infected Wounds: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND

A bacterial infection during wound healing remains one of the most common complications in wound care. It not only impedes the wound-healing process but can also result in chronic wounds, which contribute to increased morbidity and even mortality. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective wound dressings to reduce wound infections.

METHODS

Chitosan nanoparticle-loaded recombinant human lactoferrin (CHNP-rhLF) was formulated by the ionotropic gelation method. Physicochemical characterizations of CHNP-rhLF were assessed, including E.E%, L.C%, Yelid%, TEM, ζ-potential, and drug release kinetics. To achieve modern wound-dressing properties, cotton gauze samples were impregnated with 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v) CHNP-rhLF by dip, dry, and cure methods. The vertical wicking and swelling capacity of CHNP-rhLF-treated cotton gauze were then estimated. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of CHNP-rhLF-treated cotton gauze were also evaluated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using standard methods.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated successful encapsulation of rhLF within the chitosan matrix and subsequent drug release over 120 h. Posttreating cotton gauze with 5%, 10%, and 15% CHNP-rhLF, the vertical wicking and swelling capacities improved. Vertical wicking values of CHNP-rhLF-treated cotton gauze at 10 min were 61 ± 1, 63 ± 1.2, and 66.4 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Similarly, swelling capacity values reached 264.9% ± 0.9%, 271% ± 2.5%, and 285% ± 2%, respectively. Additionally, CHNP-rhLF-treated cotton gauze exhibited higher antibacterial efficiency against P. aeruginosa than MRSA in both planktonic and adherent phases, particularly at a concentration of 15%.

CONCLUSION

Multifunctional properties of CHNP-rhLF-treated cotton gauze could make it a promising therapeutic approach for wound dressing.