Hypromellose succinate-crosslinked chitosan hydrogel films for potential wound dressing

• Biocompatible crosslinking agent was chosen for preparation of HPMCS/CS hydrogel films.
• The mechanical performance of cross-linked HPMCS/CS hydrogel films was greatly improved, especially in swollen state.
• Cross-linked HPMCS/CS hydrogel films had no any cytotoxicity and hemolytic potential.
• These hydrogel films showed sustained drug release and improved anti-bactericidal properties.

The objective of this study was to develop novel hydrogel films based on carboxyl-modified hypromellose-crosslinked chitosan for potential wound dressing. Hypromellose (HPMC) was grafted with succinic acid to yield hypromellose succinate (HPMCS), and then the reinforced hydrogel films of HPMCS-crosslinked chitosan (HPMCS-CS) were prepared through amide bond formation using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N- hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) as a catalyst. Compared to that of blend film, mechanical properties of HPMCS-CS hydrogel films were significantly enhanced both in dry and swollen state. To assess the applicability of HPMCS-CS hydrogel films as wound dressing, the swelling behavior, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), oxygen permeability, biocompatibility (cytotoxicity and hemolysis), in vitro drug release and bactericidal properties were analyzed. The results indicated that HPMCS-CS hydrogel films with good biocompatibility possess high swelling ratio, proper WVTR, and oxygen permeability, which might accelerate tissue regeneration. Meanwhile, gentamycin sulfate release from drug-loaded HPMCS-CS hydrogel films were sustained, which would help to protect wound from infection.

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