Development of Poly Vinyl Alcohol-Cellulose Composites for Wound Dressing Applications

Abstract

Healing of wounds is a complex physiological process which involves four stages: Homeostasis, Inflammation, Proliferation and Remodeling. Wound dressings are often used to promote healing of wounds and prevent further infections at the wound site. An ideal wound dressing materials should be able to absorb wound fluids and exudates, provide a moist environment at the wound site and it must be non-toxic and biocompatible. In this study, PVA-Cellulose hydrogel composites incorporated with two chemical drugs (Streptomycin and Ciprofloxacin) and two natural drugs (turmeric and tridax extract) were developed for wound dressing applications. The structure, morphology and composition of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction study (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). And the wound healing characteristics of these samples were analyzed through swelling studies, water vapor transmission rate analysis, gel fraction studies and antibacterial studies. Furthermore the mechanical properties of the samples were also analyzed to determine the strength of the composites. As per the SEM results the surfaces of the samples were found to be uneven which validates good adherence property. The XRD results indicated semi-crystalline nature and the FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of drugs in the samples. Due to the incorporation of drugs the swelling rate of the composites were prolonged and their mechanical properties were enhanced. The results of gel fraction studies and water vapor transmission rate analysis indicated PCtri and PCC can be used for moderate exudating wounds while PCS and PCtur can be used for low exudating wounds. The antibacterial behavior of PCC and PCS was maximum and the samples with natural drugs also showed a comparative antibacterial activity. According to the results of the above studies, the samples were found to satisfy several properties of an ideal wound dressing material