Injectable nanocurcumin-dispersed gelatin-pluronic nanocomposite hydrogel platform for burn wound treatment

Abstract

To utilize the potent pharmaceutical properties of curcumin (Cur) and gelatin-based materials in tissue regeneration, we fabricated a thermosensitive nanocomposite hydrogel based on pluronic-grafted gelatin (PG) and nanocurcumin (nCur) to enhance burn healing. In this method, the amphiphilic PG played a role as a surfactant to prepare and protect nanosized Cur particles, which could overcome the poor dissolution of the phytochemical. The synthesized PG was identified by 1Hnuclear magnetic resonance. Depending on the amount of Cur, size distribution of the dispersed nCur ranged from 1.5±0.5 to 16±3.2nm as observed using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The nCur-dispersed PG solution formed nCur-PG nanocomposite hydrogel on warming up to 35°C. Release profile indicated sustainable release of Cur from the injectable platform. Fibroblast cells were well proliferated on the nanocomposite hydrogel. The nCur-PG enhanced the healing process of second-degree burn wound. These results showed potential applications of the biomaterial in tissue regeneration.