In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of intelligent acrylate based hydrogels with incorporated copper in wound management

• In vitro cytotoxicity testing of the hydrogels was conducted using L929 cell line.
• Mechanical properties were investigated by Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
• The temperature sensitive behaviour of the hydrogels was revealed.
• Excellent microbe barrier capacity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected.

In order to evaluate biological response and potential toxicity prior to clinical use as wound dressing materials, three series of hydrogels, based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and itaconic acid (IA), unloaded, with incorporated copper(II) ions and reduced copper, were subjected to cytotoxicity testing on L929 cell line (mouse fibroblasts). MTT test revealed proper fibroblast growth in the presence of tested hydrogels, with an absence of any acute toxic effects. Mechanical properties of all three hydrogel series were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and obtained results indicated dominant elastic over viscous behaviour, which supports their application in wound management. The temperature sensitive behaviour of the hydrogels was detected in swelling study conducted in wide range of temperature values 25–50 °C, in buffer pH 7.40. The hydrogels exhibited excellent microbial barrier characteristics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing the risk of bacterial infection in wound bed.

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