Quaternary ammonium salt-modified isabgol scaffold as an antibacterial dressing to improve wound healing

Chronic wounds require suitable treatment and management strategies for proper healing. Among other causes, infection delays the healing of wounds and increases the risk of wound-related complications. In this study, an inherently antibacterial and biocompatible wound dressing is developed to enhance the healing. Chemical modification of a natural polysaccharide, Isabgol with epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, renders antibacterial activity to the material. This is the first report of such chemical modification of this polymer for biomedical applications. The modified material is freeze-dried to obtain porous scaffolds. ¹³C NMR and FTIR analysis confirmed the modification of the Isabgol polymer chains with EPTMAC. SEM analysis confirmed the porous structure of the scaffold that would allow the exchange of gases and nutrients through the matrix. The material can swell up to 17 times its initial weight, allowing it to absorb wound exudates and maintain a moist environment at the wound site. Thermogravimetric analysis and compression testing showed that the scaffold has suitable thermal and mechanical properties. The material is antibacterial and can potentially prevent infections at the wound site. In vitro studies have confirmed that these scaffolds are cytocompatible and hemocompatible. These properties indicate that the EPTMAC-modified Isabgol scaffolds would be suitable for wound dressing applications.