Development of photo-crosslinked chitosan-methacrylate hydrogel incorporated with ciprofloxacin as dressing for infected wounds

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop photo-crosslinkable chitosan methacrylate/polyethylene glycol diacrylate (CSM/PEGDA) hydrogel incorporated with ciprofloxacin (CPx) as antibacterial wound dressing materials. CSM was synthesized from chitosan (CS) and methacrylic acid (MA) at various weight ratio. The hydrogels were prepared using photo-polymerization reaction from CSM and PEGDA using Lithium phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphinate (LAP) as a photo-initiator. The components were mixed and exposed to UV light to form the hydrogel. Mechanical properties, water content, water absorption, erosion, and water vapor transmission rate were analyzed to determine an appropriate hydrogel. The selected hydrogel was loaded with CPx, then drug loading, drug release, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli through inhibition zone measurements and time-kill analysis were assessed. CSM was successfully synthesized with the optimal CS:MA weight ratio of 1:2 providing the degree of substitution (DS) of 0.33. The hydrogel composing of CSM:PEGDA:LAP (4.5:1.5:0.5) was most suitable for showing anticipated flexibility and swelling properties. CPx was homogenously loaded into the selected hydrogel and had the ability to prolong drug release via the swollen matrix. The CPx-loaded hydrogel presented potent antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the CPx-loaded hydrogel was developed and proved to be efficient for bacterial-infected wounds.

Keywords

• Hydrogel
• Photo-crosslinking
• Chitosan methacrylate
• Poly(ethylene) glycol diacrylate
• Wound healing
• Ciprofloxacin