Hypromellose succinate-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel films for potential wound dressing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Wound Healing Technologies

Background:

• Chitosan-based hydrogels are promising for wound dressings due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• Modifying hypromellose (HPMC) and crosslinking it with chitosan can enhance hydrogel properties for improved wound care applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel hydrogel films using carboxyl-modified hypromellose-crosslinked chitosan (HPMCS-CS).
• To evaluate the potential of these HPMCS-CS hydrogel films as advanced wound dressings.

Main Methods:

• Hypromellose was modified with succinic acid to create hypromellose succinate (HPMCS).
• HPMCS-CS hydrogel films were synthesized via amide bond formation using EDC/NHS catalysis.
• Characterization included mechanical testing, swelling behavior, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen permeability, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, in vitro drug release, and bactericidal assays.

Main Results:

• HPMCS-CS hydrogel films exhibited significantly enhanced mechanical properties compared to blend films.
• The hydrogel films demonstrated high swelling ratios, appropriate WVTR, and good oxygen permeability.
• Biocompatibility assessments showed no significant cytotoxicity or hemolysis.
• Drug-loaded films provided sustained release of gentamycin sulfate and exhibited bactericidal properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed HPMCS-CS hydrogel films possess desirable properties for wound dressing applications.
• These films show potential for accelerating tissue regeneration and preventing wound infections through sustained drug delivery.