Project results

Within the first stage entitled: Design, preparation and characterization of curcumin-loaded nanofibers” a
main activity was carried out with the title:
Act 1.1 – Preparation and characterization of curcumin-loaded nanofibers (NFC) The obtained nanofibers
were characterized structurally (FTIR and XRD analyses), morphologically (SEM) and of their behavior
in solutions that mimic biological fluids (swelling degree).
Within the second stage entitled: “Design, preparation and characterization of biocomposite hydrogel
containing ZnO NPs (HZ)” a main activity was carried out with the title:
Act 2.1 – Preparation and characterization of biocomposite hydrogel containing ZnO NPs (HZ)
Biocomposite hydrogels (HZ) obtained within this activity were structurally characterized by FTIR and
its surface/section aspects was determined by SEM. The swelling degree in solutions mimicking
biological fluids (PBS, pH 7.4 and pH 5.4), was determined by gravimetric method.
Within the third stage entitled: “Preparation and characterization of biocomposite hydrogel containing
ZnO NPs and curcumin-loaded nanofibers (HZ-NFC) and in vitro release and permeation studies of
curcumin ” two main activities were carried out with the title:
Act 3.1 – Preparation and characterization of biocomposite hydrogel containing ZnO NPs and curcumin-
loaded nanofibers (HZ-NFC)

Act 3.2 – In vitro release and permeation studies of curcumin from curcumin-loaded nanofibers (NFC)
and biocomposite hydrogel type HZ-NFC
The obtained materials within this activity were structurally characterized by FTIR and its morphological
characteristics were determined by SEM. The swelling degree in solutions mimicking biological fluids
(PBS, pH 7.4 and pH 5.4), was determined by gravimetric method.
In vitro release and permeation studies of curcumin from curcumin-loaded nanofibers (NFC) and
biocomposite hydrogel type HZ-NFC were performed on static Franz diffusion cells (Copley
vertical diffusion cells system) using cellulose artificial membranes and Strat-M Membrane as
model membranes. The concentrations of Curcumin in the receiver medium will be determined by
UV–Vis spectroscopy (Nanodrop One UV–Vis Spectrophotometer).

Within the four stage entitled: “Evaluation of the biomaterial properties of the curcumin-loaded
nanofibers (NFC), biocomposite hydrogel type HZ and biocomposite hydrogel type HZ-NFC” four main
activities were carried out with the title:
Act 4.1 – Biodegradability studies
Act 4.2 – In vitro assessment of the interaction of NFC, HZ and of HZ-NFC with the blood components
Act 4.3 – Assessment of the in vitro cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts
Act 4.4 – The skin irritation potential.

Within these activities were carried out:
• Protocol for the biocomposite hydrogel type HZ-NFC preparation with the best biomaterial
properties
• the biodegradation studies of the starting components (nanofibers – NFC), simple hydrogels with
ZnO nanoparticles (HZ) and hydrogels containing ZnO nanoparticles and nanofibers (HZ-NFC)
in PBS solution (pH = 7.4 and pH 5.4) at temperatures of 37 ± 1° C and 40 ± 1°C;
• In vitro evaluation of the effects of NFC nanofibers, HZ hydrogels and HZ-NFC type hydrogels
on blood. In this regard, the hemolysis and hemocompatibility test were performed, which
includes the prothrombin time (PT), Quick Index (IQ) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).
• Evaluation of the toxicity degree of nanofibers (NFC), hydrogels containing ZnO nanoparticles
(HZ) and biocomposite hydrogels containing both ZnO nanoparticles and nanofibers (HZ-NFC)
on the adult human dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa)
• The irritant potential induced by NFC, HZ and HZ-NFC formulations using reconstructed human
epidermis – is being evaluated and will be delivered by the end of stage 4 (31.12.2023)

Within the five stage entitled: “Antimicrobial activity of
NFC, HZ and biocomposite hydrogel type HZ- NFC and optimization and selection of biocomposite hydrogels” four main activities were carried out
with the title:

Act 5.1 – Antimicrobial activity
Act 5.2 – Optimization of the experimental conditions and selection of biocomposite hydrogels