Chronic and infected wounds represent a significant global healthcare challenge, characterized by delayed tissue regeneration, persistent inflammation, microbial infections, and substantial treatment costs. Conventional wound therapies are often limited by antimicrobial resistance, adverse effects, and inadequate localized drug delivery, highlighting the need for innovative, safe, affordable, and effective therapeutic alternatives. Natural bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants and animal sources offer promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. However, their therapeutic applications are frequently constrained by poor stability, limited bioavailability, and insufficiently controlled release.

This research aims to develop and evaluate novel biomaterial-based nanogel formulations incorporating extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) or Ziziphus mucronata (buffalo thorn), combined with Channa argus (Northern snakehead fish), for topical wound management. The proposed formulations will integrate extract-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles within a chitosan hydrogel matrix, providing a dual-delivery platform designed to achieve both immediate and sustained release of bioactive constituents. Formulation variables will be systematically optimized using Design of Experiments (DoE) through Design-Expert® software.

The developed nanogels will undergo comprehensive physicochemical characterization, including particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, pH, rheological properties, swelling, erosion, spreadability, and extrudability. Biological evaluations will include antioxidant activity, antimicrobial efficacy against clinically relevant wound pathogens, cytocompatibility, and wound-healing assessments using an ethically approved murine excision model. Wound contraction, tissue regeneration, and histopathological changes will be evaluated to establish therapeutic performance.

The anticipated outcome is a stable, biocompatible, cost-effective nanogel delivery system with enhanced antimicrobial activity and wound-healing potential. This research is expected to advance natural product-based nanomedicine, support the development of accessible wound-care therapies, and strengthen international scientific collaboration in pharmaceutical drug delivery and translational research.