Development of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose based polymeric microparticles for in situ hydrogel wound dressing formation

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (Gly), a natural compound obtained from licorice, is known both for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and for this reason useful for wound treatment. Due to its poor solubility, Gly is not suitable for formulations used in conventional topical products such as gels, foams and creams. Polymeric bioadhesive microparticles (MP), loaded with Gly, were developed to be introduced in the wound bed and swell, once in contact with the exudate, to form a hydrogel in situ able to close the wound.

Highlights

Microparticles based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and Soluplus® were produced.

Microparticles swell in contact with wound exudate forming a hydrogel in situ.

Microparticles loaded with 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid stimulate keratinocytes growth.

The hydrogel promotes a sustained 18β-glycyrrhetinic release.

The MP were prepared by spray drying method from the polymeric solution of polysaccharide sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and copolymer Soluplus® (SL). Soluplus® introduction in MP composition, using a 3: 1 ratio (CMC/SL wt./wt.), allowed to stabilize Gly in non-crystalline form, favoring the improvement of water solubility, and to obtain a spherical with rugged surface MP morphology.

Ex vivo studies showed these MP maintain high swelling capability and are able to form in situ a hydrogel for wound repair. The controlled release of Gly from the hydrogel stimulates keratinocyte growth, potentially supporting the physiological healing processes.

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Article information: Cinzia Pagano, Paola Calarco, Alessandro Di Michele, Maria Rachele Ceccarini, Tommaso Beccari, Sara Primavilla, Stefania Scuota, Fabio Marmottini, Daniele Ramella, Maurizio Ricci, Luana Perioli. Development of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose based polymeric microparticles for in situ hydrogel wound dressing formation, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120606.