Abstract

Chronic wounds such as bedsores remain challenging due to their integrated and overlapping phases. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) enzymes, whose main function is to degrade all kinds of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, aid cellular migration and extracellular remodeling. MMPs, in the wound bed, allow the lysis of the dead tissues, by which the macrophages task becomes easier to digest the dead cells. MMPs activities should be monitored and inhibited as the healing process proceeds. If MMPs are not inhibited in time, they will break down tissue to attack the ECM itself creating chronic wounds. In the current work, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and ricinoleic acid (RA) are extracted from commercial oils as MMPs inhibitors. A pharmaceutical carrier is formulated containing chitosan fine particles, impregnated silver nanoparticles into microcrystalline cellulose, CLA and RA. Carrier and the active ingredients were prepared and characterized by spectral and morphological analysis. The final formulation was examined for antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and in-vivo wound healing activity. Results showed a strong inhibitory activity against the tested pathogenic microorganisms for the silver contacting samples. The rates of wound closures during wound healing in diabetic male-rats of formulas containing ricinoleic acid was faster than that containing conjugated linoleic acid.

Key words: wound healing; chronic wound; topical applications; fatty acids; chitosan; pharmaceutical carrier.