Anesthetic wound dressing loaded with propolis and bupivacaine for managing post-operative pain and wound healing

Abstract

Effective management of wound healing and pain relief remains a critical challenge in clinical settings. This study aims to develop and evaluate an advanced anesthetic nanocomposite wound dressing designed to enhance wound repair while providing significant pain alleviation. A novel hydrogel system was engineered by incorporating propolis and bupivacaine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles into a collagen hydrogel matrix. To further augment its therapeutic potential, adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) were included in the formulation. The physicochemical and biological properties of this hydrogel were comprehensively assessed in vitro through microstructure analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, cell viability and cytoprotective assays, anti-inflammatory testing, radical scavenging assays, and swelling measurements. The efficacy of the hydrogel in promoting wound healing and pain relief was then evaluated using a rat model of excisional wounds. The hydrogel system demonstrated biocompatibility with ASCs and exhibited significant suppression of inflammatory responses in vitro. In vivo studies revealed that the hydrogels, particularly those loaded with both ASCs and nanocarriers, markedly enhanced wound healing and substantially reduced pain sensitivity in the treated animals. ELISA assays indicated that the dressing material facilitated wound repair by alleviating inflammation, combating oxidative stress, and upregulating angiogenic factors. The developed hydrogel system shows considerable promise for clinical application, offering an effective solution for both wound management and pain relief. Its dual action in promoting wound healing and alleviating pain highlights its potential as a valuable tool for treating skin injuries in clinical practice.