Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Summer 6-19-2025

Abstract

Effective treatment of skin wounds remains a clinical challenge owing to factors such as microbial infections, impaired fibroblast activity, disrupted angiogenesis, and collagen remodeling. In this study, we developed and evaluated novel curcumin–cyclodextrin hybrid nanoparticles (Cur/CD-HNPs) as a multifunctional platform for enhanced wound healing. Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via nanoprecipitation. Physicochemical and structural properties were systematically characterized by determining the encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, zeta potential, X-XRD, FTIR, SEM, in vitro release, and stability studies. The optimized Cur/CD-HNPs demonstrated a uniform particle size of 150.5 ± 2.8 nm, a surface charge of − 18.5 ± 0.59 mV, a PDI of 0.20 ± 0.03, and a high EE (90.2 ± 2.35%). Cur/CD-HNPs exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects (97.93 ± 1.24% inhibition of protein denaturation), full antioxidant activity (100% ABTS radical scavenging, IC50 = 12.85 µg/mL), and broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy. Cur/CD-HNPs exhibited a sustained biphasic release profile, with ~ 82% of Cur released over 24 h, supporting sustained delivery for wound healing applications. In vitro scratch assays revealed enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration. For in vivo evaluation, the nanoparticles were incorporated into a hydrogel base and applied topically in a rat burn wound model, resulting in significantly accelerated wound closure (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed improved epithelialization, collagen deposition, and tissue regeneration compared with the control groups. Our findings presented Cur/CD-HNPs as a promising therapeutic approach, offering Cur enhanced bioactivity, stability, and regenerative potential. This formulation addresses the key limitations of curcumin and presents a multifunctional and strong translational platform for clinical wound care. © The Author(s) 2025.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.