Antiseptic-Loaded Casein Hydrogels for Wound Dressings

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Antimicrobial Drug Delivery

Background:

• Chronic wound treatment incurs significant global healthcare costs.
• Novel wound care systems are needed to address this challenge.
• Antiseptic-loaded wound dressings can inhibit bacterial growth and aid healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate casein hydrogel dressings loaded with Octiset® (polyhexanide) for chronic wound treatment.
• To evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these novel dressings.
• To assess the in vivo efficacy of the developed wound dressing.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of casein hydrogels (casein sodium salt and acid casein).
• Assessment of physical properties (swelling, water content, morphology, mechanical stability) before and after sterilization.
• Evaluation of drug release kinetics, biocompatibility (non-irritant, haemocompatible, non-cytotoxic), and antimicrobial activity.
• In vivo case study of acid casein hydrogel loaded with Octiset® in a canine wound model.

Main Results:

• Casein hydrogels exhibited adequate physical properties and stability post-sterilization.
• Controlled release of antiseptic drugs from hydrogels was sustained for at least 48 hours.
• Dressings demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• The in vivo study showed efficient wound recovery using the acid casein hydrogel loaded with Octiset®.

Conclusions:

• Casein hydrogel dressings loaded with Octiset® are a promising, cost-effective, and biocompatible option for chronic wound management.
• The developed dressings possess suitable characteristics for wound healing applications.
• This study presents the first report on Octiset®-loaded wound dressings, highlighting their therapeutic potential.