Enhanced wound healing by PVA/Chitosan/Curcumin patches: In vitro and in vivo study.

ABSTRACT

Biocompatible polymers are being used in recent times for treating skin injuries and burn wounds. Polymers like Poly Vinyl Alcohol and Chitosan are proven to be biocompatible with least toxic to treat injuries with minimal side-effects. Curcumin, a primary component of turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial activity but has extremely low bioavailability. Converting Curcumin to its nano form increased its bioavailability exponentially allowing it to play a vital role in the process of wound healing. This PVA/Chi/Cur patch increased cell proliferation as shown by the results of cell line studies and MTT assay. Its anti-bacterial activity against four major bacterial strains commonly found in wound sites and water retainability indicates it to be a perfect material for wound treatment. Results of in-vivo studies conducted on wistar rats by testing the patch's healing ability on a surgically induced wound displayed its superiority over commercial ointment. This treatment for epidermal wounds reduces the frequency in which the patch has to be replaced and increases the rate of wound rehabilitation.