Hybrid aerogel-loaded ticagrelor cationic hyalurosomes as a platform for wound healing management; in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies

Background This study aims to evaluate the restorative effects of ticagrelor (TIC), a well-known antiplatelet drug, on wound-healing capacity using cationic hyalurosomes loaded into an aerogel. Methods The ethanol injection method was used to produce cationic hyalurosomes, which were then optimized using a D-optimal design with the type of surfactant (X1), hyaluronic acid (HA) amount (mg) (X2), and phospholipid (PC) amount (mg) (X3) as independent variables. The impact of these variables on the entrapment efficiency (EE%, Y1), particle size (PS, Y2), and zeta potential (ZP, Y3) was evaluated. Results In vitro assessments revealed that the spherical optimum formula had an EE% of 73.23% ± 0.27%, a PS of 162.95 ± 0.05 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.471 ± 0.004, and a ZP of 27.76 ± 0.77 mV. The optimum formula was stable for up to 90 days. Ex vivo examination using confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the optimum formula, labeled with fluorescein, was well deposited throughout the skin. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed complete encapsulation of TIC within vesicles. The in vitro release study showed a sustained release profile from the optimum TIC-loaded hyalurosomes-loaded aerogel compared to TIC suspension, TIC aerogel, and the optimum TIC-loaded hyalurosomes. In vivo assessments concluded better skin deposition of the optimum TIC-loaded hyalurosomes-loaded aerogel and good healing capacity. Moreover, histopathological assessment confirmed the safety of using the optimum TIC-loaded hyalurosomes aerogel, with no evidence of inflammation. Conclusion In conclusion, the optimum TIC-loaded hyalurosomes-loaded aerogel facilitates wound healing and is a viable option for wound management.