Abstract:
Cellulose-chitosan based hydrogels containing eugenol were synthesized and various
properties were studied. Eugenol was used to incorporate antibacterial efficacy
necessary for wound healing. Four different compositions of the hydrogels were
prepared. CS.OMCC 1:1, CS.OMCC 2:1, CS.OMCC 4:1 and CS.MCC 2:1 showed
effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus
aureus (S. aureus). CS.OMCC 4:1 showed the largest inhibition zone against both the
bacterial strains because it had more chitosan content. The diameters of inhibition
zones increased as the chitosan content in the hydrogels increased.
The degree of swelling (in PBS) and in vitro degradation (in PBS and PBS+lysozyme
solutions) have been investigated. CS.OMCC 1:1 hydrogel showed maximum
swelling. CS.OMCC 1:1 showed good percent degradation of 42 and 56.8% in PBS
and PBS+lysozyme, respectively. The pH variations have been monitored during the
degradation studies in PBS and lysozyme. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) has been carried out to elucidate structural properties of all synthesized
hydrogels. Thermogravimetric analysis of the synthesized hydrogels was also carried
out.
Overall, a natural, antibacterial hydrogel, resistant to E. coli and S. aureus has been
synthesized. The composite hydrogels CS.OMCC 1:1 and CS.OMCC 4:1 were the
most suitable compositions for their application in wound healing.
