Preparation and Characterization of Antibacterial of PVA/Starch based Hydrogel Membrane for Wound Dressing using Essential Oils

Abstract

Wound care has come through various trials and errors with primitive cultures applying old age techniques and knowledge. Until recently, the dry wound was considered optimal for the wound dressings and removal of dry embedded eschar was considered as a physical debridement. Recent research has shown that the moist environment promotes wound healing than the dry. In the current research, hydrogel membranes were prepared by esterification of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) with starch and glutaraldehyde as a cross linker. Three different types of organic oils (clove oil, Oregano oil and tea tree oil) with various concentrations were used individually and their properties as an antibacterial agent were investigated. Morphology and molecular interaction among various polymers used in the hydrogel membranes were investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The anti-bacterial testing was performed using disc diffusion method. The physical and mechanical characteristic of the membrane were also considered to check their usefulness in practical application. The maximum anti-bacterial activity for formulated hydrogels was achieved by adding 0.1ml clove oil in PVA/Starch Hydrogel that is 39 mm for MRSA and for E. coli is 37mm. The FTIR results indicated the presence of -OH- group in hydrogel membrane which exposed strong hydrogen bonding due to addition of antibacterial agent. The SEM results specified about dense nature of membranes with or without antibacterial agent. Mechanical investigation of hydrogel membranes showed appropriate tensile strength i.e. 19.36MPa for 0.1ml Clove oil. Furthermore, WVTR and MRC for 0.1ml clove oil was 36.22g/m2h and 95.50%, respectively. The experimental outcome designated that formulated Hydrogel expressed good Antibacterial, Mechanical and Physical properties that could be used in wound dressing applications. The best results were obtained for clove oil using 0.1 ml as antibacterial agent.

Keywords: Hydrogel, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Starch, Clove Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Oregano Oil, Antibacterial activity, Mechanical activity