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Synthesis and evaluation of topical hydrogel membranes; a novel approach to treat skin disorders

  • Biomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
  • Original Research
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Abstract

The aim of the study was to synthesize and evaluate chitosan-based topical cross-linked hydrogel membranes of mupirocin for new pharmaceutical controlled release application. These cross-linked structured membranes were synthesized by modification of free radical polymerization. Low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan is cross-linked with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) with a crosslinker N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). Hydrogel membranes were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, Swelling behavior, sol–gel analysis, in vitro percent drug release at different pH, permeation across skin, ex vivo drug deposition study, irritation study and in vivo antibacterial activity of mupirocin loaded hydrogels. Developed membranes were spherical, adhesive and have good elastic strength. FTIR confirmed the cross-linking and formation of new structure having appropriate characteristics needed for controlled release delivery system. Drug release through rabbit’s skin was evaluated by Franz diffusion cell and up to 6329.61 µg/1.5 cm2 was permeated and drug deposition in skin revealed significant retention up to 1224 µg/1.5 cm2. Formulated membranes were nonirritant to the skin as validated by Draize patch test. In surgical wound model, LMW chitosan-based hydrogel membranes showed prolong efficacy against bacterial infection caused by S. aureus. Enhanced retention of drug in skin demonstrated the good potential of topical delivery for skin bacterial infection.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan for help in performing studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

    Sarfaraz Ahmad, Muhammad Usman Minhas, Mahmood Ahmad, Qandeel Khalid & Orva Abdullah

  2. College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

    Muhammad Usman Minhas

  3. Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan

    Muhammad Sohail

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  1. Sarfaraz Ahmad
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  2. Muhammad Usman Minhas
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  3. Mahmood Ahmad
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  4. Muhammad Sohail
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Correspondence to Muhammad Usman Minhas.

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Ahmad, S., Minhas, M.U., Ahmad, M. et al. Synthesis and evaluation of topical hydrogel membranes; a novel approach to treat skin disorders. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 29, 191 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-018-6191-9

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