Skin wound healing promoted by novel curcumin-loaded micelle hydrogel

Background The development of biomaterials with the ability to promote skin wound healing is an important topic in the field of biomedical science. In this study, a topical curcumin (Cur) gel [Cur/hyaluronic acid (HA)] was prepared by combining curcumin-loaded PCL-b-PEG-b-PCL (PECE) nanomicelles (PCEC/Cur) and HA to effectively promote skin wound healing. Continuous drug release from PCEC/Cur can provide long-term protection and treatment of skin wounds. Methods The study was completed in two stages. The first stage (in vitro): PCEC/Cur were prepared by thin film hydration method. The second stage (in vivo): 36 anesthetized rats were used to prepare a round full-thickness skin defect wound with a diameter of 23 mm on the dorsal side of the spine, and the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 9 rats in each group. Results The results showed that wounds in the Cur/HA group were restored to normal after 14 days after operation, representing 96%±3% wound healing. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that hair follicles in the Cur/HA group were visible and that the re-epithelialization time was earlier. Masson staining showed that Cur/HA promoted the formation of collagen fibers. Immunohistochemical observation showed that angiogenesis and subsequent healing of the wound surface was enhanced in the Cur/HA group. Conclusions The injectable hyaluronic acid gel complex Cur/HA is a promising candidate material for a wound dressing to promote healing.