Fabrication and characterization of shikonin and sea buckthorn endowed nanoemulsion reinforcing elecrospun scaffolds for treatment of diabetic wounds

Electrospun polymeric nanofibers represent a novel class of wound dressing owing to their structural resemblance with the natural extracellular matrix within which pro and anti-apoptotic functions can be orchestrated comprehensively resulting in effective wound management especially in case of diabetic wounds. Recent epidemiological reports demonstrate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as a clear indicator of recalcitrant healing in diabetic wounds that can specifically ablate the growth factors and other pro-healing molecules hindering the healing process. Beguiling the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic and MMP-9 modulatory properties of naphthoquinone pigments, shikonin has enticed interest of researchers in diabetic wound management. Poor solubility and photosensitivity demands novel delivery of this compound for better therapeutic efficacy. The study, thus, aims to develop reinforced shikonin and sea buckthorn oil loaded nanoemulsion (SS-NE) based chitosan scaffolds by incorporation of SS-NE as nanofiller in fibers. Subsequent characterization confirmed the stability and encapsulation of shikonin in prepared scaffold system. The results of burn wound model in diabetic Wistar rats (Type 2 diabetes) indicated that the micro-nanostructure of the fiber mats was able to promote wound healing by substantially downregulating the level of MMP-9 and stimulating collagen deposition and re-epithelization. The salient findings of the present study proposed that the bioenthused asymmetric wettable scaffolds can be employed as a propitious delivery system for treatment of diabetic wounds.