Development of dual-carrier CMC–PEG/LDH nanocomposite hydrogel for the sustained release of Mikania cordata phytochemicals for wound healing applications

Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) B. L. Robinson has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties; however, its clinical potential is limited by its short physiological availability. To overcome this, a dual-carrier hydrogel nanocomposite was developed for the sustained release of phytochemicals, thereby enhancing wound healing. Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation (Mg: Al, 2:1; pH 10, N₂ atmosphere) and loaded with ethanolic M. cordata extract via solvent-assisted ion exchange. The nanocomposite was incorporated into a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel (2:1.2 ratio) cross-linked with citric acid (20% w/w CMC). Characterization by FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, SEM, and EDX confirmed the successful loading of phytochemicals with preserved LDH crystallinity. Encapsulation efficiencies were 81.36% for LDH and 72.58% for the hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibited a high swelling capacity (162%) and sustained release, with only 70% release in 3 hours, compared to 95% from LDH alone. Biocompatibility testing showed >90% Vero cell viability at lower hydrogel concentrations, while scratch assays revealed superior wound closure (95.75% at 24 h and 100% at 48 h) compared to untreated controls (22.78% at 24 h; 46.42% at 48 h). These findings highlight the hydrogel–LDH nanocomposite as a safe and effective platform for controlled delivery of M. cordata phytochemicals in wound healing applications.