In situ gelling gelatin/modified starch hydrogel containing curcumin-loaded niosomes for wound healing application

Hydrogel dressings are one of the most appropriate agents for wound healing. Here, a novel, integrated hydrogel-based drug delivery system was developed for controlled curcumin (Cur) release for wound healing applications. To this purpose, a new hydrogel based on gelatin/ dialdehyde starch (DAS) was prepared using the Schiff-base reaction in the presence of curcumin (Cur)-loaded niosomes (HG/DAS/Nio/Cur). Cur was entrapped in Nio with an entrapment efficiency of 90-95 %. This system provides controlled release of Cur trapped in the hydrogel matrix and thus could improve its therapeutic ability. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that Nio/Cur has particle sizes of 57.19 nm and a zeta potential of -8.21, respectively. The release rate from HG/DAS/Nio/Cur significantly increased, reaching 71% and 46% at pH =5 and 7.4 after 72 h, respectively. The prepared hydrogels showed a high swelling ratio, and SEM revealed 3D porous structures (porosity around 87-89%). Antimicrobial test showed E. coli inhibition effect but no S. aureus activity due to the thick peptidoglycan barrier. MTT assays confirmed >90% viability of HUVEC. These results suggest the HG/DAS/Nio/Cur as an advanced wound dressing system.