Enhanced in vitro wound healing of human dermal fibroblasts using nanohydroxyapatite synthesized from Elaeagnus Angustifolia and loaded with crocin

AIM: In this study, we investigated the potential of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NP) synthesized from Elaeagnus Angustifolia (HAEA-NP) and loaded with crocin (HAEA-NP@CR) to enhance the in vitro wound healing of human dermal fibroblasts (hDF). METHOD: HAEA-NPs were synthesized using the sol-gel technique and impregnated with crocin (CR) to create the HAEA-NP@CR formulation. The examination of CR loading and release was performed. The assessment of viability of hDFs following exposure to nanoparticles (NPs), CR, and HAEA-NP@CR was assessed. A scratch assay was performed to assess the rate of wound closure. Real-time PCR analysis was utilized to measure the expression levels of genes associated with wound healing. RESULT: According to our findings, CR had a loading capacity of 46.76%. It was released in a controlled manner from HAEA-NPs. The combination of HAEA-NP and CR significantly promoted the viability of hDFs and accelerated wound closure in an in vitro wound healing model. Furthermore, we observed an upregulation of key wound healing-related genes underlying the enhanced wound healing effect. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the use of HAEA-NP@CR holds promise as a novel approach to promote wound healing and may have potential applications in developing wound healing therapies.