Development of a novel beta-glucan supplemented hydrogel spray formulation and wound healing efficacy in a db/db diabetic mouse model

To relieve the severe economic and social burdens and patient suffering caused by the increasing incidence of chronic wounds, more effective treatments are urgently needed. In this study, we focused on developing a novel sprayable wound dressing with the active ingredient beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (beta G). Since beta G is already available as the active ingredient in a commercial wound healing product provided as a hydrogel in a tube (beta G-Gel), the sprayable format should bring clinical benefit by being easily sprayed onto wounds; whilst retaining beta G-Gel's physical stability, biological safety and wound healing efficacy. Potentially sprayable beta G hydrogels were therefore formulated, based on an experimental design setup. One spray formulation, named beta G-Spray, was selected for further investigation, as it showed favorable rheological and spraying properties. The beta G-Spray was furthermore found to be stable at room temperature for more than a year, retaining its rheological properties and sprayability. The cytotoxicity of beta G-Spray in keratinocytes in vitro, was shown to be promising even at the highest tested concentration of 100 mu g/ml. The beta G-Spray also displayed favorable fluid affinity characteristics, with a capacity to both donate and absorb close to 10% fluid relative to its own weight. Finally, the beta G-Spray was proven comparably effective to the commercial product, beta G-Gel, and superior to both the water and the carrier controls (No beta G-Spray), in terms of its ability to promote wound healing in healing-impaired animals. Contraction was found to be the main wound closure mechanism responsible for the improvement seen in the beta G-treatment groups (beta G-Spray and beta G-Gel). In conclusion, the novel sprayable beta G formulation, confirmed its potential to expand the clinical use of beta G as wound dressing.

Automated summary

The study focused on developing a novel sprayable wound dressing with beta-1,3/1,6-glucan as the active ingredient. The sprayable format showed promising stability, efficacy, and cytotoxicity in vitro, and was as effective as the commercial product in promoting wound healing in healing-impaired animals. The novel sprayable beta G formulation has the potential to expand the clinical use of beta G as a wound dressing.