Flexible Topical Hydrogel Patch Loaded with Antimicrobial Drug for Accelerated Wound Healing

A hydrogel topical patch of neomycin was developed by using sodium alginate (SA) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) as polymers. Free radical polymerization in an aqueous medium was initiated by using acrylic acid (AA) and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). Prepared hydrogels were characterized for pH sensitivity and sol-gel analysis. In addition, the effect of reactant contents on the developed formulation was evaluated by swelling behavior. SEM assay showed the rough structure of the hydrogel-based polymeric matrix, which directly enhances the ability to uptake fluid. FTIR spectra revealed the formation of a new polymeric network between reactant contents. TGA and DSC verified that fabricated polymeric patches were more thermodynamically stable than pure components. Gel fractions increased with increases in polymer, monomer, and cross-linker contents. The swelling study showed the pH-dependent swelling behavior of patches at pH 5.5, 6.5, and 7.4. The release pattern of the drug followed zero-order kinetics, with diffusion-controlled drug release patterns according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas (KP) model. Ex vivo studies across excised rabbit skin verified the drug retention in the skin layers. The hydrogel patch effectively healed the wounds produced on the rabbit skin, whereas the formulation showed no sign of irritation on intact skin. Therefore, neomycin hydrogel patches can be a potential candidate for controlled delivery for efficient wound healing.