Speeding Up Wound Healing with Licorice and Turmeric Infused Nanofiber Bandages

Greg Howard
6th June, 2024

Speeding Up Wound Healing with Licorice and Turmeric Infused Nanofiber Bandages

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences developed a new nanofibrous wound dressing using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), enriched with curcumin and licorice root extract
  • The dressing has high porosity and excellent liquid absorption, keeping the wound moist to promote healing
  • It showed significant antibacterial activity against common wound-infecting bacteria and accelerated wound healing in animal tests
Chronic wounds that fail to heal properly present a significant challenge to patients and healthcare professionals. These wounds, often resulting from conditions such as diabetes, ischemia, and pressure ulcers, are not only painful but also susceptible to infections that can complicate treatment and prolong recovery times[2]. The quest for effective wound dressings that can promote healing and prevent infections is therefore a critical area of medical research. A recent study conducted by researchers at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences has made promising strides in this field[1]. The study focused on developing a nanofibrous wound dressing composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), enriched with curcumin and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract. These components were chosen for their known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which are crucial for both preventing infection and promoting tissue repair. The researchers used an electrospinning technique to create the nanofibers, resulting in a uniform and defect-free morphology with a diameter distribution of 303 ± 38 nanometers. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed that the curcumin and G. glabra extract were successfully loaded into the nanofibers without adverse interactions. This is significant because maintaining the integrity of these bioactive compounds is essential for their effectiveness in wound healing. One of the standout features of this new wound dressing is its high porosity and extraordinary liquid absorption capacity, which ensures that the wound environment remains moist—a key factor in promoting healing. The dressing also demonstrated complete wettability, meaning it can easily conform to the wound surface, enhancing its effectiveness. The study found that the PVA/CS nanofibers containing the bioactive compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity and a sustained release profile, ensuring a continuous supply of the active agents to the wound site. This sustained release is crucial for maintaining the antimicrobial and healing-promoting effects over time. In vitro tests showed that the dressing could inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli strains, two common bacteria that can infect wounds. This dual antibacterial activity is particularly valuable, as it broadens the range of infections the dressing can effectively combat[3]. The effectiveness of the dressing was further validated in an animal model with infected wounds. The results were impressive: the nanofibrous dressing not only caused full wound closure but also accelerated skin regeneration. Histopathological studies confirmed the complete regeneration of skin layers, formation of collagen fibers, and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which are all critical indicators of successful wound healing. This study builds on previous research that has explored various materials and methods for wound care. For instance, earlier studies have highlighted the potential of polymeric materials like alginate, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid in wound dressings due to their biocompatibility and functional characteristics[2]. The incorporation of advanced drug delivery systems to tailor antimicrobial application has also been a focus, aiming to reduce side effects and improve efficacy[3]. The current study's use of nanofibers and bioactive compounds represents an innovative approach that addresses many of the limitations of previous methods. In conclusion, the nanofibrous wound dressing developed by the researchers at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences offers a promising solution for the management of chronic, infected wounds. By combining the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of curcumin and G. glabra extract with the advantageous properties of PVA and chitosan nanofibers, this dressing not only inhibits infection but also promotes rapid and complete wound healing. This multifunctional bioactive wound dressing could potentially revolutionize the treatment of chronic wounds, offering new hope to patients and healthcare providers alike.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Accelerating healing of infected wounds with G. glabra extract and curcumin Co-loaded electrospun nanofibrous dressing.

Published 5th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1177/08853282241252729

Related Studies

2) Polymer-based biomaterials for chronic wound management: Promises and challenges.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120270

3) Therapy of infected wounds: overcoming clinical challenges by advanced drug delivery systems.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-021-00932-7


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