A 3D printed chitosan-pectin hydrogel wound dressing for lidocaine hydrochloride delivery

A chitosan-pectin (CS-PEC) biopolymeric hydrogel wound dressing was investigated for lidocaine delivery. Here we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) printed CS-PEC hydrogel incorporating the local anaesthetic drug lidocaine hydrochloride (LDC) as a potential wound dressing candidate. The hydrogels were prepared by physical crosslinking of CS and PEC polysaccharides. The scaffolds were printed using an extrusion-based 3D printer using a mechanical positive displacement dispensing system followed by lyophilisation. The 3D printed hydrogels showed good printability, dimensional integrity and self-adhesion to skin. The high swelling ratio and water absorption of 3D printed hydrogels indicated suitability for absorbing exudates and maintaining a moist wound healing environment. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated that the CS-PEC hydrogel was formed by hydrogen bonds. Incorporation of LDC in the hydrogel did not interfere with its functional stability. In vitro drug release studies of LDC over 6 h fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. This work demonstrates the possibility of a 3D printed hydrogel as a suitable candidate for wound dressings.