Levan-based bioactive hydrogels containing herbal liposome in treating acute wounds

Abstract

Hydrogels in active wound care products are 3D polymeric scaffolds that provide the desired moisture balance in the wound area with their high water retention capacity. Thanks to their biocompatible properties, flexible and porous structures, and high hydrophilic properties, they have frequently been preferred in the repair and regeneration of cells and tissues and the controlled release of bioactive substances to the target area. In this study, hydrogel structures were developed for the first time with levan produced by Halomonas elongata 153B halophilic bacteria. Extracts from Plantago lanceolata L., commonly known as a wound herb, which has medicinal importance for cell regeneration, ensuring tissue integrity in a short time and reducing infections in the wound area, were obtained and extract-loaded liposome structures were formed for controlled release into the wound area. The wound healing efficacy of the composite material developed by loading herbal liposomes into levan-based hydrogel structures was evaluated in an in vitro wound model. Thus, a natural, biocompatible, biodegradable, and functional wound care product containing herbal liposomes suitable for both clinical applications and point-of-care use has been developed. The developed bioactive hydrogels are a promising therapeutic approach for the healing of acute wounds. Graphical abstract [Formula: see text]