Development of highly biocompatible Gelatin & i-Carrageenan based composite hydrogels: In depth physiochemical analysis for biomedical applications

In present investigation, gelatin and iota-carrageenan (CG) were used for the fabrication of composite hydrogels in different formulations (G1-G6). The hydrogels were characterized through optical, scanning electron and confocal microscopy to visualize their internal morphology. X-ray diffraction and ATR- FTIR spectroscopy were used for analyzing the chemical interaction between gelatin and CG. The hydrogels were found to be hemocompatible with high mucoadhesive and swelling properties. The standard drug ciprofloxacin was incorporated within the hydrogels and its interaction with the polymers was monitored through XRD and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. In physiological pH 7.4, the G4 formulation showed a linear release profile. The antimicrobial activity was tested against nosocomial strains of Bacillus sp, Vibrio sp, Pseudomonas sp and Escherichia coli which showed a zone of inhibition between 8.5-20.7 mm against the marketed Ciplox ointment. The cytocompatibility of the prepared hydrogels were investigated using normal HaCaT and HEK293 cell lines which showed their negligible cytotoxicity.