CHARACTERIZATION OF WOUND HEALING GEL THROUGH EUPHORBIA NIVULIA MEDIATED IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLE AND CONFIRMATION AGAINST WOUND PATHOGENS

Abstract

The wound healing process is a very complicated biological procedure which comprises several events, such as hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodelling. Microbial infections frequently interrupt this process and can cause chronic wounds and complications. Thus, it is important to develop efficient wound healing materials with antibacterial activity. A Euphorbia nivulia–mediated iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles containing wound healing gel was developed and characterized for physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity against the prominent wound pathogens in this study. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using extracts of fresh leaves of Euphorbia nivulia via the green synthesis method that utilized plant phytochemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents. To maximize their potential for topical therapy, the resultant nanoparticles were then incorporated into a gel formulation. To ensure the stability of formulations and effectiveness for topical application, the formulation was characterized by visual observation, UV–visible spectroscopy, pH measurement, spreadability, and viscosity analysis. Formation of the Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopic studies via a characteristic absorption peak. The nanoparticle gel was tested against Candida albicans, Pseudomonas species, Actinobacter species, Enterococcus faecium, and Escherichia coli by the agar well diffusion method. Results showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against all tested isolates, with maximum inhibition observed against Candida albicans. Time–kill curve analysis showed prolonged antimicrobial activity over a four-hour time period. In summary, it can be concluded that an iron oxide nanoparticle gel mediated by the Euphorbia nivulia plant may have potential as an effective formulation in wound healing and infection control, we targeted under SDG 3; Good Health Well-being, 14; Life on Land.