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Mechanical, bioadhesive strength and biological evaluations of chitosan films for wound dressing
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia. kkpeh@usm.my
Purpose:
To investigate the suitability of chitosan films prepared using two different solvents, acetic acid (Chitosan-AA) and lactic acid (Chitosan-LA), for wound dressing, in comparison with a commercial preparation, Omiderm.
Methods:
The mechanical and in-vitro bioadhesive strength properties of Chitosan-AA, Chitosan-LA, and Omiderm were investigated using texture analyzer equipment. The vapour permeability of chitosan films was determined using a method for evaluation of moisture permeability of containers and packaging material described in USP XXII. In addition, the biological evaluations were performed via primary skin irritation, intracutaneous, and systemic injection tests.
Results:
The three preparations differed significantly in terms of the mechanical and bioadhesive strength properties. Chitosan-LA exhibited a lower tensile strength, but more flexible and bioadhesive than Chitosan-AA. Chitosan film was found to be permeable to water vapour. Chitosan-LA and Omiderm were non-irritant and did not cause any skin allergic reaction. In contrast, Chitosan-AA films inflicted adverse skin reactions. Nevertheless, no gross sign of toxicity was encountered from the systemic injection of the extracts of the three preparations.
Conclusion:
Chitosan films demonstrated significantly different mechanical and bioadhesive strength properties from Omiderm. Chitosan-LA was more soft, flexible, pliable and bioadhesive when compared to Chitosan-AA films. Furthermore, Chitosan-LA did not cause erythema, edema and systemic toxicity. Hence, Chitosan-LA film is suitable to be used in the management of wound healing and skin burn.