Nonhealed wounds are one of the most dangerous side effects of type-2 diabetes, which is linked to a high frequency of bacterial infections around the globe that eventually results in amputation of limbs. The present investigation aimed to explore the drug-loaded (naringenin) hydrogel system for chronic wound healing. The hydrogel membranes comprising Na-alginate with F-127 and poly(vinyl alcohol) were developed to treat chronic wounds using the quality-by-design (QbD) approach. The optimized formulation was tested for various parameters, such as swelling, gel fraction, water vapor transition rate (WVTR), etc. In vitro evaluation indicated that a drug-loaded hydrogel displayed better tissue adhesiveness and can release drugs for a prolonged duration of 12 h. Scratch assay performed on L929 cell lines demonstrated good cell migration. The diabetic wound healing potential of the hydrogel membrane was assessed in streptozotocin-induced male Wistar rats (50 mg/kg). Higher rates of wound closure, re-epithelialization, and accumulation of collagen were seen in in vivo experiments. Histopathologic investigation correspondingly implied that the drug-loaded hydrogel could enhance dermal wound repair. The improved antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with expedited healing indicated that the drug-loaded hydrogel is a perfect dressing for chronic wounds.

Centre of Medical and Bio Allied Health Sciences Research Ajman University Ajman 13306 United Arab Emirates

Department of Bio Sciences and Technology Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College Maharishi Markandeshwar Mullana Ambala 133207 India

Department of Pharmaceutics Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University New Delhi 110017 India

Department of Pharmaceutics School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University Pushp Vihar New Delhi 110017 India

Gilbert and Rose Marie Chagoury School of Medicine Lebanese American University Beirut 11022801 Lebanon

Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology Department of Animal Morphology Physiology and Genetics Faculty of AgriSciences Mendel University in Brno 61300 Brno Czech Republic

Research and Scientific Studies Unit College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Jazan University Jazan 45142 Saudi Arabia

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