Abstract:
Background: Second degree burn wounds are frequently reported and can lead to serious health
problems. A proper treatment is required to minimize the drastic effect of second degree wounds.
Various methods are available to treat burn wounds including ointments and occlusive bandages
to promote re-epithelization. However, there is a constant need of debridement and cleaning of
these wound sites after every few hours. This frequent cleaning causes pain and bleeding at the
wound site. Aims: Aim of the study is to develop a biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel
that incorporates IONP along with a model drug to achieve a slow and optimized drug release at
burn wound sites. This approach will promote the wound healing process of second degree burns
with minimum requirement of wound cleaning through pH dependent drug release. Materials
and Method: The Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONP’s) were synthesized by using Co
precipitation method. These super paramagnetic properties of IONP’s can be seen by applying an
external magnetic field. The chitosan/PVA hydrogel is prepared by sol gel method. A cross
linker was added to enhance its mechanical strength. The Chitosan/PVA hydrogel was loaded
with the model drug and IONP’s. Presence of IONP and GSH aids in wound healing as a slow
release at burn site. Results: The Ferrogels with incorporated model drug show an effective pH
dependent drug release in both acidic and alkaline medium. The pores were generated under the
effect of changing pH leading to the release of IONP and drug. The Iron oxide nanoparticle
reduced the ROS formation at burn site to prevent cellular damages and promote epithelization.
Model drug release rate was optimized to achieve slow yet optimum drug dose at varying pH of
burn site promoting wound healing at a much faster rate than normal. Conclusion: The drug
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release from hydrogel is mediated by macromolecular relaxation and Fickian diffusion process.
The ability of Ferrogels to absorb water and respond to changes in the pH enhances the structural
complexity resulting in an extended time period of drug. A sustained drug delivery vehicle is
prepared for an effective wound healing process. Further studies are needed to study drug release
under varying magnetic field as an external stimulus.
