Antimicrobial Hydrogels Based on Cationic Curdlan Derivatives for Biomedical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Biocompatible polysaccharide hydrogels offer slow release of active principles for wound care.
• Curdlan (Curd) and its derivative (QCurd) were utilized to develop novel hydrogel materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize new QCurd/Curd hydrogels for potential wound dressing applications.
• To evaluate the drug loading and release kinetics of diclofenac from the hydrogels.
• To assess the antibacterial efficacy of the developed hydrogels against common wound pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Hydrogels were synthesized via covalent cross-linking of QCurd and Curd at room temperature.
• Chemical structure confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); swelling ratio and elastic modulus measured.
• Diclofenac release kinetics studied under simulated physiological skin conditions.
• Antibacterial activity tested against *S. aureus*, *MRSA*, *E. coli*, and *P. aeruginosa*.

Main Results:

• SEM revealed hydrogels with regulated pores (50-75 μm) and hydrophobic micro-domains.
• High swelling rates (21-24 g_water/g_hydrogel) and low elastic moduli (7-14 kPa) were observed.
• Mathematical models indicated controlled diclofenac release kinetics.
• Significant bacteriostatic effect demonstrated against tested bacterial strains after 48 hours.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized QCurd/Curd hydrogels possess suitable physical properties for wound dressings.
• Retarded drug delivery and notable antimicrobial activity suggest their suitability for active wound dressings.
• These novel hydrogels are promising candidates for advanced wound management applications.