Ellagic acid loaded nanospheres/biodegradable PVA‐sodium alginate hydrogel for wound healing application

Abstract In the present study, a novel polyvinyl alcohol‐sodium alginate hydrogel was prepared using ellagic acid loaded nanospheres in its structure. Ellagic acid was loaded into polymeric nanospheres using a double‐emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Obtained nanospheres were dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol‐sodium alginate hydrogel, prepared using freeze–thaw method followed by freeze‐drying. Ellagic acid loaded nanospheres and the final hydrogel preparation were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, and investigated for ellagic acid content, and release profile. MTT assays were conducted to measure the viability of cells after treatment with the hydrogel, and wound healing activity was investigated through in vivo studies on open wounds of an animal model. Results showed formation of nanospheres with average diameter of 241.5 nm and prolonged‐release profile of ellagic acid during 48 h. MTT assays showed a significant increase in cell proliferation upon treatment of NIH3T3 cells with the hydrogel. The hydrogel also significantly increased the rate of wound closure through improved epithelialization and production of collagen fibers. It can be concluded that the hydrogel containing ellagic acid‐loaded nanospheres prepared in this study can be designated as a biocompatible dressing to accelerate the wound healing process.