Formulating curcumin in a biodegradable polymeric composite material: a step towards wound healing applications

© 2017 Maryam ShahniaThe natural process of wound healing typically consists of four distinct but overlapping phases which include, hemostasis (platelet aggregation and blood clot formation), inflammation (migration of blood cells), proliferation (angiogenesis or blood vessel formation), and remodelling (reorganisation of collagen and scar tissue formation). However, in diabetic patients, this elaborate well-programmed process becomes disrupted, and there is an urgent need for compounds and formulations that can improve wound healing in these cases. A variety of natural components, including curcumin, have been identified as wound-healing agents. Curcumin, is a yellow hydrophobic natural polyphenolic pigment derived from the rhizomes of the herb Carcuma longa, which has been identified as the active principal of turmeric. The inability to efficiently deliver curcumin in a soluble form presents a chief challenge for its clinical use. Here we characterised, and optimised different biodegradable and biocompatible formulations of curcumin encapsulated particles, in order to enhance the efficiency of curcumin wound healing effect. The size of the optimised curcumin particles ranged from 1286 to 1485 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of 75%. The zeta potential exhibited values in the range of (-7.2) to (-7.96) with the PDI of 0.4. Physical characterisation using TEM imaging ensured the successful fabrication and encapsulation of curcumin in the polymeric matrix, which had been fabricated in rod shape. Release profile occurred in a biphasic manner including an initial burst, followed by a sustained release trend for curcumin particles. In vitro cytotoxicity assays along with microscopic imaging confirmed safety of the applied concentration of curcumin particles below 25 µg/ml. Moreover, the results of cellular uptake study validated the internalisation of curcumin particles. Overall this thesis, elucidated the developed biocompatible and biodegradable formulations for curcumin encapsulation do have the potential to be employed as a drug delivery vehicle for curcumin. Further validation of the potential of this preparation to enhance wound healing is still needed