Iontophoretic-assisted wound-healing using azithromycin and nanoparticulate magnesium oxide embedded fiber coated films

The present study aimed to demonstrate iontophoretic-assisted wound healing using azithromycin and magnesium oxide (MgO) particulate embedded fiber coated films. Formulations were prepared using the electrospinning technique and evaluated for physicochemical features, thermal analysis, in vitro drug release, in vitro antibiofilm and in vivo antibiofilm studies. Nano-sized MgO particles and azithromycin composite fibers displayed acceptable physicochemical properties and a smooth-surfaced interconnected network. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis suggested relatively reduced crystallinity of azithromycin upon incorporation into the polymeric matrix. During in vitro study, prepared formulations released > 95% azithromycin within 45 minutes exhibiting first order kinetics. Drug loaded formulations showed significantly (p value < 0.05) higher reduction in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biomass during in vitro study when compared to the pure drug aqueous suspension. Inclusion of metal oxide nanoparticles into drug loaded fibers led to a significantly higher reduction in S. aureus biomass than the azithromycin alone incorporated counterparts. During in vivo antibiofilm study, iontophoresis mediated delivery of azithromycin from composite fibers resulted in a rapid reduction in biomass of S. aureus from infected skin wounds and complete regeneration of epidermis and dermis after an 8-day treatment period. It was concluded that iontophoretic delivery of azithromycin from the drug and MgO nanoparticle loaded polymeric fibers can be used to treat S. aureus biofilm contaminated wounds.