Deferoxamine Loaded Nanoemulgel for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation Optimization and in vivo Evaluation

Background: Chronic wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, and oxidative stress, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this research was to design, develop and evaluate deferoxamine loaded nanoemulgel for enhanced topical delivery and wound healing. Materials and Methods: Deferoxamine loaded nanoemulsions were formulated by aqueous titration method using oleic acid, Tween 80, and propylene glycol as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. Formulation was optimized using central composite design and characterized for droplet properties. The selected nanoemulsion was subsequently formulated into carbopol based hydrogel system and evaluated for physicochemical properties, release kinetics, skin deposition, skin irritation, and wound healing in rats. Results: The selected nanoemulsion had particle size of ~88 nm, low polydispersity (0.39), and high zeta potential (-52 mV), indicating good physical stability. TEM image indicates spherical shape, uniform dispersion and absence of agglomeration of prepared nanoemulsion. Thermodynamic stability data confirm that the nanoemulsion did not exhibit any phase separation or creaming. Deferoxamine nanoemulgel demonstrated suitable physicochemical properties, including acceptable pH (6.12±0.30), high drug content (97.84±2.06%), optimal viscosity (85356±2834 cP), and adequate spreadability (15.88±0.50 cm). In vitro release profile revealed sustained deferoxamine release over 12 hr following Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics (R²=0.9964), while ex vivo studies demonstrated significantly higher (p<0.001) skin deposition compared to control gel. The nanoemulgel was found to be non-irritant and well tolerated. In vivo wound healing studies in rats demonstrated significantly enhanced (p<0.0001) wound contraction reaching 100% by day 14, along with improved granulation tissue formation and accelerated re-epithelialization as compared to blank formulation. Histopathological analysis confirmed improved collagen organization and reduced inflammation. Conclusion: Overall, the observed results establish that the deferoxamine nanoemulgel is a promising strategy for targeted, sustained, and effective management of wounds.