The potential use of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex/chitosan-loaded cellulose sponges for the treatment of chronic wound.

In this research, the cellulose sponges with curcumin-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CMx) and chitosan (CS) were fabricated for use as wound dressings. 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AMIMCl) ionic liquid as a green solvent was used for the fabrication of cellulose sponges. Due to the low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin, cyclodextrins (CDs) were applied and complexed with curcumin to obtain CMx. In addition, CS was incorporated in the cellulose sponges to improve the antibacterial activity of sponges. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, morphological appearances, mechanical properties, water retention and weight loss, release behaviors, antibacterial activity, indirect cytotoxicity, cell attachment, and cell proliferation of the CMx/CS-loaded cellulose sponges were investigated. From the results, the cellulose sponges showed a porous structure. The incorporation of CMx and CS improved the mechanical properties when compared to the neat cellulose sponges. Moreover, the addition of CS into the cellulose sponges exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Furthermore, the indirect cytotoxicity of the CMx/CS-loaded cellulose sponges was non-toxic and compatible with NCTC L929 and NHDF cells. Consequently, the CMx/CS-loaded cellulose sponges might be good candidates for use as wound dressing materials for the treatment of wound, especially chronic wound.