Formulation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of thermoresponsive lawsone-based Pluronic F-127 nanogels for wound healing

The aim of the present study was to formulate and characterize lawsone-loaded Pluronic F-127 based nanogels for wound healing application. Polymeric nanoparticles at different concentrations (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %) were prepared employing Eudragit RS100 via solvent evaporation technique followed by incorporation of Pluronic F127 into the respective batches of nanoparticles to formulate nanogels. The particle size, morphology, % entrapment efficiency, FT-IR and x-ray diffraction analysis, in vitro release study and anti-bacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains were evaluated. Spherical shaped particles with transition to amorphous state having a sustained release profiles were evaluated. All the nanogels were assessed for visual examination, spreadability and occlusivity study, rheological measurements, texture analysis, in vitro release, skin irritation, wound healing and histological examinations. Good homogeneity and consistency were found among all the nanogels with having highest viscosity for lawsone loaded nanogel in comparison to blank nanogel. Higher hardness and cohesiveness were observed for lawsone loaded in comparison to blank nanogel showing no skin irritation. In vitro and in vivo results revealed that all the nanogels could be used as effective treatments on the Wistar rats revealing lawsone loaded nanogel had the highest healing on the excision cutaneous wounds showing presence of intact layers of epidermis, granulation tissue, sweat and sebaceous glands, justifying the formulation could be used as an effective treatment in medicine.