Formulation and Therapeutic Assessment of a Zinc Oxide, Silver, and Cerium Oxide Enriched Ointment for Accelerated Wound Healing in Aged Models

Abstract

Chronic wounds present a major challenge in elderly individuals due to diminished regenerative capacity and impaired tissue repair mechanisms associated with aging. In this study, we formulated a topical gel composed of zinc oxide (ZnO), silver (Ag), and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, each chosen for their respective antimicrobial, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative properties. The nanoparticles were synthesized through precise precipitation or reduction techniques and thoroughly characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and electron microscopy to confirm nanoscale structure and purity. An in vivo wound healing model utilizing aged Sprague-Dawley rats was employed, with animals divided into three groups: untreated, placebo-treated, and those receiving the nanoparticle-enriched gel. Wound dimensions were tracked for 14 days, revealing significantly improved healing in the nanoparticle-treated group, with nearly complete closure observed by day 14 (ANOVA, p less than 0.0001). Cytocompatibility was assessed via MTT assay on L929 fibroblasts, confirming greater than 80 percent viability at therapeutically relevant concentrations. These findings underscore the potential of multifunctional nanoparticle-based formulations to enhance wound healing in aged or compromised skin environments, offering a promising therapeutic avenue.