Name:	Miss Nasima Ahmed
Affiliation:	Independent Researcher
Area of research:	Wound healing, Biotechnology, Microbiology
Title of research / project:	Development and evaluation of chitosan-curcumin based wound healing formulation

Experiences I gained

I carried out the project work at Defence research laboratory (DRDO), Assam. The main motive was to study the wound healing property of combination of both chitosan and curcumin. At the first outset, preformulation study that a compatibility study, was done. After that two gel formulation F1 and F2 was formulated with different concentrations of curcumin and  chitosan.  

In F1 the concentration of curcumin was  more and in F2 concentration of chitosan was more. Both the formulations were evaluated for their physico-chemical properties like appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability and release study (done with the help of franz diffusion cell using  Wistar rat abdominal skin). Wound healing property of both  the formulations was studied by evaluating the wound contraction rate (excision wound model), hydroxyproline content study (indication of collagen content), histopathological study (dermal and epidermal remodelling) and anti-inflammatory study (done with the help of ELISA using TNF and IL-10 cytokine).

Antimicrobial property of both the formulation was studied using Kirby-Baur disc diffusion method. In all the evaluations, F2 showed better results than F1 and the results were statistically significant. Therefore, the findings of the study showed that F2 can be opted as potential and relatively safer wound healing product than synthetic alternatives, offering a profound therapeutic benefit and  more affordable treatment.

A good work plan and patience are two major things we need at every step of the experiment. Sometimes change of a plan, repeat the experiment and failures give us discourage.

I learned how to carry out a research work in a proper manner right from collecting data, reviewing scientific literatures, planning and designing of the experiment. Histopathology is a tiresome process and requires patience. I did meet failures while carrying out histopathology but completed it successfully. I also carried out ELISA myself which is a sophisticated process. Moreover, While evaluating the antimicrobial property of the formulations, i gained experience on culturing of bacteria, preparation of culture media, sterilization and several other methods which was quite interesting.

Working on that project gave me ample of opportunities and helped me in gaining experience on scientific, technical skills and passing on the experience. A good work plan and patience are two major things we need at every step of the experiment. Sometimes change of a plan, repeat the experiment and failures give us discourage. But at the same time self motivation helps to complete the work with some good results, satisfaction and more experiences. Publication of the research work in a journal increases the satisfaction level.

Finally i can conclude that both chitosan and curcumin has got wound healing property and using them in combined form can be promising.

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