Development and Characterization of Glutathione incorporated Nanohybrid Ferrogels (Ch/PVA/Fe2O3 NP) for the treatment of Second Degree Burns

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 17 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.