Chitosan and liposomes nanoparticles encapsulated cinnamon extract: Antiproteolytic activity and wound healing efficiency of diabetic rats running head: Chitosan vs liposomes nanoparticles as drug delivery carriers

Abstract

Diabetic foot infection is a major concern between diabetic communities as it is increasing rapidly with more virulent organisms. These virulent organisms include the flesh and bone eating bacteria which produce proteolytic enzymes in order to hydrolyze the skin, flesh and bone. When the infection spreads, physicians lean to amputation followed by a long term of broad spectrum antibiotics. Even after complete eradication of bacteria, their proteolytic enzymes remain in the blood circulation which leads to prior amputation. Thirty three bacterial isolates were isolated from foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The most prevalent isolates were Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The selected bacterial isolates were tested for protease production on different protein sources including collagen (the most abundant compound in human's connective tissue). Eighteen herbal extracts were examined for their effect against the proteolytic activity of the selected isolates. Cinnamon ethanolic extract was the most effective anti-proteolytic agent. Chitosan and liposomes nanoparticles loaded with cinnamon ethanolic extract were prepared and their physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. For assessment of wound healing efficiency, gel of both Chitosan and liposomes nanoparticles loaded with cinnamon ethanolic extract was tested in wounded diabetic rats and it was found that liposomes/cinnamon gel was more effective as wound healing remedy.