Development and evaluation of wound healing hydrogels based on a quinolone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and biodegradable microfibres

Ofloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone class, with activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Wound healing involves a complex interaction of cells and processes which can be improved using appropriate wound- dressing materials. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate wound healing hydrogels containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ofloxacin and biodegradable microfibres from surgical sutures. The hydrogels were formulated by air-drying mixtures of dilute dispersions of micronized sutures (polyglycolic acid, Vicryl® and catgut), ofloxacin and HPMC gel. The prepared hydrogels were evaluated for gel fraction, swelling capacity, breaking elongation, particle size and morphology, and chemical interactions. Furthermore, in vivo wound healing activities were studied in rats using excision wound model and histological examination. The percentage gel fraction was ≥ 50% in all the batches, the percentage swelling ratio was within the range of 531.8–1700% and the percentage breaking elongation was found to be in the range of 70–120%. The chemical interaction studies using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that there was no interaction between the drug and excipients used. Ofloxacin-loaded hydrogels containing dilute microfibres of the sutures showed 95% wound size reduction after fourteen days. These formulations also caused high collagen deposition after twenty one days of wounding, with minimal scar formation. Ofloxacin hydrogels containing HPMC and micronized suture fibres can be applied for effective wound healing.

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