Enhanced therapeutic approach for diabetic foot ulcers: comparative study and characterisation of mupirocin-loaded nanosponge gel with marketed formulation for accelerating wound healing and in vivo evaluation

Abstract

The current investigation aimed to develop, optimise, and assess a mupirocin-loaded nanosponge-based topical delivery system for diabetic foot ulcer and to achieve prolonged drug release while improving drug deposition within the skin. The nanosponges carrying mupirocin were formulated using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. A 32 factorial design was utilised to investigate effect of two factors, specifically the concentration of ethyl cellulose and the stirring rate, on the physical attributes of the nanosponges. The optimised nanosponge formulation batch (F9) was subsequently incorporated into a Carbopol gel base, ensuring the desired physical attributes were achieved in the gel formulation containing nanosponges. The research included in vitro drug release evaluation, ex vivo drug deposition analysis, assessment of the antimicrobial action of the nanosponge formulation, and in vivo diabetic wound healing.