Design of moxifloxacin encapsulated network hydrogel wound dressings: Evaluation of polymer-drug, polymer-blood, and polymer-bio membrane interactions

It is an exploration of the inherent wound-healing tendency of Azadirachta indica gum (AIG) or neem gum polysaccharides to develop the hydrogel wound dressings with enhanced potential during wound management. Herein this research work, antibiotic moxifloxacin encapsulated AIG network copolymeric hydrogels were developed by functionalizing with carbapol and poly(acrylamide) [poly(AAm)] for better wound healing. The polymer-drug, polymer-blood, and polymer-bio membrane interactions were evaluated in biomedical properties. The copolymeric network structure was confirmed by scanning electron micrographs (SEMs), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and C-13 solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results confirmed sustained release of the moxifloxacin with diffusion by non-Fickian process and Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS). These interactions inferred the blood-compatible (hemolytic index 3.41 +/- 0.70%) and mucoadhesive nature (polymer-biomembrane detachment force 0.09 +/- 0.01 mN) of hydrogel dressing. The per gram of hydrogel dressings absorbed 10.22 +/- 0.23 g of simulated wound fluid which is very useful to maintain moist wound environment for better wound healing. All these interactions and properties indicated the suitability of the hydrogel material for wound dressing applications for better wound care.