Preparation and Evaluation of Skin Wound Healing Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Membranes

The purpose of the study was to synthesize and characterize a new form of topical membranes as chitosan-based hydrogel membranes for bacterial skin infections. The polymeric membranes were synthesized by modification in free radical solution polymerization technique. High molecular weight (HMW) chitosan polymer was cross-linked with monomer 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) through cross-linker N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). Mupirocin, an antibiotic, was used as model drug. The polymeric membranes were prepared in spherical form that found stable and elastic. Characterization of hydrogel membranes was performed by FTIR, SEM, DSC, TGA, swelling behavior, drug release, irritation study, and ex vivo drug permeation and deposition study. Structural and thermal studies confirmed the formation of new polymeric network with enhanced stability of hydrogel membranes. Permeation flux of drug from optimized formulation through rabbit's skin assessed by using Franz cell was up to 104.09 μg cm^-2 h^-1. Furthermore, hydrogel membrane has significant retention of drug in skin up to 2185 μg 1.5 cm^-2. Draize patch test confirmed the synthesized hydrogels as non-irritant to skin. The preparation of a topical membrane with improved antibacterial activity within controlled release manner is desirable for the advancement and treatment of skin diseases.