Affiliation:
1. University of Belgrade Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy Karnegijeva 4 Belgrade 11000 Serbia
2. Institute of Materials Science and Technology TU Wien Getreidemarkt 6 Vienna 1060 Austria
3. University of Belgrade Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering Vojvode Stepe 444a Belgrade 11000 Serbia
Abstract
AbstractAntibacterial hydrogels, as an advanced approach, can create optimal conditions for wound healing, even in the fight against stubborn and difficult‐to‐treat wound infections. Interestingly, pH is an often neglected clinical parameter, although it has a significant impact on the wound healing process. At different stages of wound healing, the pH in the wound bed changes from slightly alkaline to neutral to acidic. To develop novel pH‐sensitive antibacterial hydrogel dressings, Zn2+‐loaded poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate/itaconic acid) hydrogels are synthesized. The hydrogels exhibit pH‐sensitive swelling in the physiologically relevant pH range, with a pronounced swelling ability at neutral pH. The controlled release of Zn2+ occurs in a buffer of pH 7.40 at 37 °C. The liquid transport mechanism and release kinetics are evaluated using the specific kinetic models of Ritger‐Peppas and Peppas‐Sahlin. The effect of Zn2+ on structural, thermal, swelling, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties is evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling studies, MTT, and antibacterial tests. The hydrogels show excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The research opens new perspectives for efficient wound healing management, and the extension of the study will be orchestrated by optimising the hydrogel composition to achieve improved performance.
Subject
Materials Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Polymers and Plastics,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Condensed Matter Physics