Biopolymer-based nanoformulations accelerated tissue remodeling by antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic potential.

OBJECTIVES:: Designing a low-cost wound dressing material with better functionality enhances wound healing efficiently. Accordingly, a nanocomposite using pectin, keratin, ferulic acid, and silver nanoparticles exhibiting better wound healing potential was utilized to prepare gel and ointment to address inadequacies in wound management. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Subsequently, the physicochemical properties, drug release, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial efficacy, and wound healing potential of the silver nanocomposite-based nanoformulations were studied. RESULTS:: Characterization revealed smooth texture and homogeneity in both formulations, with the gel being hydrophilic and easily washable, while the ointment was oleaginous. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer analysis indicated low levels of silver ions in the gel, potentially reducing dose-dependent toxicity compared to the ointment containing silver oxide. The gel exhibited sustained drug release attributed to Carbopol 940 and demonstrated slightly better antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. In-vitro studies on L929 fibroblast cells exhibited no toxicity, with the gel demonstrating better cell migration than the ointment. Interestingly, the cell cycle was altered by the nanoformulations, with more cells in the S and G1/M phase, confirming cell proliferation for wound repair. Excision wounds in SD rats revealed superior wound contraction and epithelialization with the gel formulations. The gel with 75 mg nanocomposite downregulated matrix metallo-proteinases 2 (MMP2) and MMP8 expression, indicating efficient tissue remodeling, and upregulation of keratinocyte growth factors and vascular endothelial growth factor, promoting faster wound healing due to angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects, and suppression of reactive oxygen species levels. CONCLUSIONS:: Conclusively, the novel nanoformulations exhibited accelerated wound healing compared to a commercial silver gel by enhanced cell migration, reepithelialization, and tissue remodeling owing to the combined effect of the bioactive molecules.