Vancomycin-loaded chitosan aerogel particles for chronic wound applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chronic wounds significantly impair quality of life, with microbial infections being a major impediment to healing.
• Aerogels, characterized by high surface area and porosity, present unique properties for biomedical applications.
• Chitosan aerogels offer enhanced water sorption and air permeability, ideal for wound dressing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate vancomycin-loaded chitosan aerogel beads for treating and preventing chronic wound infections.
• To investigate the physicochemical properties and drug release kinetics of the vancomycin-chitosan aerogels.
• To assess the cytocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of the developed formulation.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan was processed into aerogel beads.
• Morphological and textural properties were analyzed using imaging, N2 adsorption-desorption, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Vancomycin loading and in vitro release profiles were determined.
• Cytotoxicity was evaluated using fibroblast cell studies.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Results:

• Chitosan aerogel beads exhibited enhanced water sorption and air permeability.
• Vancomycin release was rapid, achieving effective local therapeutic levels.
• The vancomycin-loaded aerogel particles demonstrated cytocompatibility with fibroblasts.
• The formulation was effective in preventing high bacterial loads of S. aureus.

Conclusions:

• Vancomycin-loaded chitosan aerogel beads are a viable formulation for managing chronic wound infections.
• The enhanced properties of chitosan aerogels facilitate efficient antibiotic delivery and antimicrobial action.
• This approach shows potential for improving chronic wound healing outcomes by controlling microbial burden.