Ginger-Infused Nanofibers: A Healing Touch for Faster Wound Recovery

Jenn Hoskins
9th August, 2024

Ginger-Infused Nanofibers: A Healing Touch for Faster Wound Recovery

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health developed a new wound dressing using 6-gingerol (GA)-loaded nanofiber membranes made of sodium alginate (SA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
  • The GA-loaded nanofibers showed strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, promoting faster wound healing without causing irritation
  • The study found that the nanofibers released GA in a controlled manner, enhancing the healing process by supporting new tissue formation
Wound healing is a complex biological process involving multiple cellular and molecular events aimed at restoring the integrity of damaged tissues. The development of advanced wound dressings that can effectively deliver therapeutic agents to promote healing is a significant area of research. A recent study conducted by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health focuses on developing a novel drug delivery system using 6-gingerol (GA)-loaded nanofiber membranes composed of sodium alginate (SA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to enhance wound healing[1]. Nanofiber scaffolds have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery in wound care due to their high surface area, interconnected porosity, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix[2]. However, achieving controlled drug loading and release remains challenging. The current study addresses these challenges by incorporating GA, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound extracted from Zingiber officinale, into SA/PVA nanofibers via electrospinning—a technique that uses an electric charge to draw fibers from a polymer solution. The study's methods involved the extraction and isolation of GA, confirmed through H-NMR and C-NMR analyses. The GA was then electrospun into SA/PVA nanofibers, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealing fiber diameters ranging from 148 nm to 176 nm. In vitro characterization included assessments of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, cytotoxicity, a scratch test, and in vivo skin tests. The results demonstrated that higher doses of GA increased its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effectiveness but also decreased cell viability, highlighting the need for optimal dosing. In vitro release studies showed a burst release of GA within the first 8 hours, followed by a controlled release over 24 hours, aligning with the Weibull model, which describes the release kinetics of drugs from delivery systems. The scratch test indicated that the formulation with 1% GA (TB2) promoted epithelialization, a critical phase in wound healing where new tissue forms to cover the wound. Importantly, TB2 did not cause any irritation, making it a promising candidate for wound dressings. This study builds on previous research that highlights the importance of local drug delivery systems in wound healing[3]. For example, nanofiber scaffolds have been shown to be effective in delivering various therapeutic agents for skin-wound management[2]. The current study's findings align with these earlier studies by demonstrating the potential of GA-loaded nanofibers to enhance wound healing through controlled drug release and effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Moreover, the study's focus on GA, a compound with known medicinal properties, adds to the body of research exploring natural and traditional remedies in modern medical applications. For instance, the use of propolis in pluronic lecithin organogels has been shown to improve antimicrobial activity and skin compatibility[4]. Similarly, the combination of asiaticoside and nitric oxide (NO) in gels has been found to accelerate the healing of diabetic cutaneous ulcers by promoting angiogenesis and reducing inflammation[5]. The current study's use of GA in nanofiber membranes represents another innovative approach to leveraging natural compounds for advanced wound care. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health demonstrates the potential of GA-loaded SA/PVA nanofiber membranes as an effective wound dressing. By addressing the challenges of controlled drug loading and release, this research contributes to the development of advanced wound care solutions that can promote faster and more effective healing. The integration of GA's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties into a nanofiber delivery system offers a promising avenue for future wound management strategies.

MedicineHealthBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Gingerol Containing Polymeric Nanofibers: A Healing Touch for Accelerated Wound Recovery.

Published 8th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2024.2390033

Related Studies

2) Nanofiber Scaffolds as Drug Delivery Systems Promoting Wound Healing.

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15071829

3) Local Drug Delivery Strategies towards Wound Healing.

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15020634

4) Propolis organogel as a novel topical delivery system for treating wounds.

https://doi.org/10.3109/10717544.2013.847032

5) Asiaticoside nitric oxide gel accelerates diabetic cutaneous ulcers healing by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106109


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