Multifunctional Glycyrrhiza glabra–Loaded DES Gel for Infection Control and Regenerative Healing in Diabetic Wounds Ref.No.SSTCRC2655
1. Introduction
This research focuses on developing a sustainable and biocompatible wound-healing material by extracting Glycyrrhizic acid (triterpenoid saponin) from Glycyrrhiza glabra using amino acid–polyol deep eutectic solvents (DES) and formulating it into a self-assembling hydrogel for diabetic wound care. The study integrates green chemistry with biomedical applications, reducing reliance on toxic solvents while creating an active wound dressing capable of controlling infection, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration. Previous studies have explored DES-based extraction of natural compounds and glycyrrhizic acid hydrogels separately; however, the combined use of biocompatible DES extraction and self-assembling glycyrrhizic acid hydrogels for diabetic wound healing remains limited. This research addresses this gap by providing a sustainable, multifunctional, and clinically relevant solution.
2. Objectives
-Design and prepare biocompatible amino acid–polyol deep eutectic solvents (DESs) using L-proline and polyols (glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol), optimizing molar ratios and heating conditions for stability and homogeneity.
-Extract glycyrrhizic acid (GA) from dried licorice root using DES and conventional solvents, optimizing extraction parameters such as solute-to-solvent ratio, water content, temperature, and agitation speed.
-Confirm and quantify GA using TLC, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and HPLC to identify the most efficient and biocompatible extraction method.
-Formulate DES-extracted GA into a self-assembling hydrogel, optimizing GA concentration, gelation, mechanical properties, and stability for skin application.
-Evaluate biological performance through in vitro assays (HRBC membrane stabilization, FOX assay) and in vivo wound healing in diabetic and normoglycemic mice, including wound closure, inflammation (HMGB1, ELISA), and tissue regeneration.
-Select the optimal DES–hydrogel formulation that maximizes GA yield, hydrogel performance, and wound-healing efficacy, creating a sustainable, multifunctional wound dressing.
3. Research Progress
Progress Made
-Comprehensive literature review completed.
-Research objectives and experimental design finalized.
-Selection of biocompatible amino acid–polyol DES systems.
-Standard protocols established for DES preparation, GA extraction, and hydrogel formation.
-Initial laboratory work initiated DES synthesis and parameter screening.
Steps Remaining
-Optimization of glycyrrhizic acid extraction using DES and conventional solvents.
-Preliminary, Quantitative and structural characterization of extracted GA.
-Development and rheological characterization of self-assembling GA-loaded DES hydrogel.
-In vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of wound-healing performance.
-Data analysis, comparison, and preparation of academic publications.
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