Biodegradable polymer‐based hydrogel as a bioactive carrier for dermatological cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

AbstractA novel biodegradable interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel impregnated with a plant extract was designed using a simple one‐pot free radical polymerization of polyacrylamide (PAM), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and gelatin (Gel). PAM/PVA/Gel hydrogels with different Gel contents (Gel‐0–Gel‐40) reached a maximum water absorbency of 1443%, which was approximately three times greater than PAM hydrogel. Biocompatibility assessment of all hydrogels on L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated no toxicity. Gel‐10 hydrogel with a water absorbency of 1120% presented the optimal tensile strength of 363 kPa. The compressive modulus of Gel‐10 hydrogel was 36.2 kPa with the ability to maintain shape under load. Gel‐10 hydrogel demonstrated a good adhesive property on various surfaces including paper, glass, aluminium and skin. A release study revealed a sustained release characteristic which involved Fickian diffusion. A plant extract, Quercus infectoria (Qi), was successfully impregnated as a bioactive agent into Gel‐10 hydrogel and demonstrated a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. In addition, the Qi‐impregnated hydrogel possesses an excellent radical scavenging activity with 94.6% inhibition and antityrosinase activity with 88.4% inhibition. Studies on biodegradation in soil indicated that the external surfaces of Gel‐10 hydrogel were destroyed. The percentage weight loss of Gel‐10 hydrogel was 66.7%. Additionally, the water absorbency of Gel‐10 after a soil burial test was significantly decreased (421%), compared with 1120% before the test (P < 0.001). Gel‐10 hydrogel could be applied as a bioactive carrier in dermatological cosmetics and pharmaceutical products to prevent infections, deleterious effects from free radicals, and skin pigmentation disorders. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.