Fabrication, characterization and application of novel nanoemulsion polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan hybrid incorporated with citral for healing of infected full-thickness wound

Chitosan (Csn) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have mechanical strength properties and can be encapsulated with citral (Cil) into nanoemulsions (NEs) and applied for the treatment of infected wounds. This study investigates the effects PVA/Csn/Cil-NEs for the treatment of infected wounds in a mouse model. The NEs were prepared by the help of Cil, PVA and 10% and 20% Csn. In vitro release and antibacterial properties and also cytotoxicity analysis were done. The therapeutic formulations were prepared and administrated in circular wounds infected with Acinetobacter baumannii and Streptococcus pyogenes. Wound contraction, histopathological parameters total bacterial count, the serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), transforming growth factor-beta or (TGF-beta), interleukin-10 (IL-10), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. The NEs were safe and addition of Csn decreased rapid release of Cil. The mice treated with the NEs containing higher concentrations of Csn exhibited lower bacterial count, the serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, ROS, MDA, edema, and immune cells and higher the serum concentrations of TGF-beta and IL-10, activities SOD and GPx, and collagen deposition. In conclusion, the PVA/Csn/Cil-NEs expedited infected wounds in a mice model.