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Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Development of a Benchtop Model for Evaluating the Compatibility of Wound Dressing Materials with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems
Published on: May 2, 2025
Development of chloramphenicol wound dressing protein-based microparticles in chitosan hydrogel system for improved
Tri Puspita Roska1, Sartini1, Mukarram Mudjahid1
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Skin wounds have been reported to increase the number of microbial colonies susceptible to infection. Treatments using oral antibiotics have been limited due to their toxicity and hydrophobic characteristics. In this study, we developed a formulation of chloramphenicol microparticles (CPL MPs), which was modified into chitosan hydrogel to increase treatment efficiency in targeting infections and creating an optimal environment to support the healing process. CPL MPs were prepared by a cross-linker stabilized method using whey protein (WPI) biopolymer, and the CPL MPs hydrogel was designed using chitosan biopolymer. Based on the result, CPL-loaded MPs showed desired physical and encapsulation characteristics. In the in vitro study, drug release of CPL MPs in simulated wound fluid represented approximately 99.40 ± 7.01 % of the system after 24 h. The antibacterial activity of CPL-loaded MPs formulation (MIC value 12.5 μg/mL, MBC 25 μg/mL) was effective as MIC concentration increased. Furthermore, the formulation of CPL MPs into hydrogel showed a better dermatokinetic profile compared to hydrogel with pure CPL. Interestingly, the antibacterial activity of the ex vivo infection model showed that Staphylococcus aureus activity decreased by up to 99.98 % after 24 h administration of CPL MPs hydrogel when compared to pure-CPL hydrogel and blank hydrogel. These studies have confirmed that incorporating CPL MPs into hydrogel can provide a promising approach to skin infection treatment.
Insights
This study developed chloramphenicol microparticles (CPL MPs) in chitosan hydrogel for effective skin infection treatment. The novel formulation demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity and improved wound healing properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dermatology
Background:
- Skin wounds are prone to microbial infections, with oral antibiotics facing limitations due to toxicity and poor absorption.
- Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing topical antimicrobial efficacy and promoting wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate chloramphenicol microparticles (CPL MPs) using whey protein (WPI) and chitosan hydrogel for improved skin infection treatment.
- To evaluate the physical characteristics, drug release kinetics, and antibacterial efficacy of the CPL MPs hydrogel formulation.
Main Methods:
- CPL MPs were prepared via a cross-linker stabilized method with WPI.
- The CPL MPs were incorporated into a chitosan-based hydrogel.
- In vitro drug release, antibacterial activity (MIC/MBC), dermatokinetics, and ex vivo wound infection models were employed.
Main Results:
- CPL-loaded MPs exhibited desirable physical and encapsulation properties.
- In vitro studies showed near-complete drug release (99.40%) within 24 hours.
- The CPL MPs hydrogel demonstrated superior antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (99.98% reduction) compared to pure CPL hydrogel.
Conclusions:
- The developed CPL MPs hydrogel formulation offers a promising strategy for treating skin infections.
- This approach enhances drug delivery, optimizes the wound healing environment, and improves therapeutic outcomes.

