Fabrication of Antibacterial Cellulose-Chitosan Based Hydrogels to Promote Wound Healing

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.