The aim of this study was to develop a novel oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsion gel containing levofloxacin for enhanced topical efficacy. Average particle size of sesame oil nanoemulsion without (SONE) and containing levofloxacin (SONEL) was found as 25.2 and 26.3 nm, respectively. Results from scratch test showed that SONEL had better proliferation effect in comparison with negative control. Treated animals with SONEL showed significant reduction in period of epithelialization, wound contraction, and number of inflammatory cells among all groups. Also, SONEL-treated group had the greatest collagen synthesis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed high intensity of CD31 and TGF-β at wound site of treatment groups with SONEL on day 12 post-treatment (P < 0.05). Skin irritation test demonstrated safety of SONEL gel for skin topical application. In conclusion, our studies suggest that SONEL could be an effective formulation for treatment of diabetic wound infection by controlling infection and improving the healing process. Graphical Abstract .
Keywords: Levofloxacin; Sesame oil nanoemulsion; Topical gel; Wound healing.