title: Simvastatin-loaded lyophilized wafers as a potential dressing for chronic wounds.
abstract: Wafers are an established drug delivery system for application to suppurating wounds. They can absorb wound exudates and are converted into a gel, offering a moist environment that is vital for wound healing. Simvastatin-loaded lyophilized wafers were developed using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and methyl cellulose (MC) and evaluated for their potential in the management of chronic wounds. Simvastatin (SIM) was chosen as the model drug since it is known to accelerate wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Pre-formulation studies were carried out with CMC, MC, and a mixture of CMC and MC. Wafers obtained from aqueous gels of 3% CMC and blend of CMC-MC in the % weight ratio of 2:1 and 1.5:1.5 were selected for further analysis. The formulated wafers were characterized by microscopic examination, texture analysis, hydration test, rheological studies, FTIR spectroscopy, water vapor transmission and drug release test. Among the selected formulations, simvastatin-loaded CMC-MC (2:1) wafers exhibited the most desired characteristics for wound dressing application, such as good flexibility, hardness, sponginess, and viscosity. It showed a sustained drug release, which is desirable in wound healing, and was more appropriate for suppurating wounds. In conclusion, simvastatin-loaded CMC-MC (2:1) wafers showing potential for wound dressing applications were successfully developed.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Pharmacy , Centre of Drug Delivery Research, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Masoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rezvanian
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Pharmacy , Centre of Drug Delivery Research, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Chin-Khai
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Pharmacy , Centre of Drug Delivery Research, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shiow-Fern
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Ng
keywords: Carboxymethyl cellulose; lyophilized wafer; methyl cellulose; simvastatin; wound dressing