Evaluation Of Bioactive Hydrogels For The Treatment Of Infected Wounds: Clinical And In Vitro Studies
Keywords:
In vivo studies, In vitro studies, Tissue regeneration, Drug release kinetics, Wound healing, Antimicrobial activity, infected wounds, Carbopol 934, Chitosan, Bioactive hydrogelsAbstract
Infected wounds require materials that prevent infection while promoting healing. This study evaluates bioactive hydrogels made from chitosan and carbopol 934, incorporating antimicrobial agents for wound treatment. The hydrogels were analysed for pH, water absorption, spreadability, and drug release. Chitosan-based formulations exhibited a pH range of 4.3–6.8 and better spreadability, making them suitable for wound healing.
Antimicrobial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Hydrogels with higher bioactive agent concentrations, particularly those with ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin, showed stronger antibacterial effects than carbopol-based formulations. Drug release followed a sustained Fickian diffusion pattern.
In an in vivo murine wound model, the most effective hydrogel accelerated bacterial clearance and tissue regeneration compared to commercial dressings. Histopathological analysis confirmed faster epithelialisation, reduced inflammation, and increased neovascularisation.
Chitosan-based bioactive hydrogels show promise as an alternative for infected wound treatment, combining antimicrobial action with enhanced healing properties. Further optimisation and clinical validation are needed to support their medical application.
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