Swelling and drug release kinetics of composite wound dressing

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the swelling and drug release kinetics of composite wound dressing material in different <em>p</em>H buffer solutions, simulating the <em>p</em>H range of wounds. Composite dressing material is prepared by grafting polyacrylic acid-co-acrylamide hydrogel on the cotton fabric using polyethylene glycol as crosslinking agent. Results show maximum equilibrium swelling at pH 7.0. Swelling kinetics at <em>p</em>H 5.5 and <em>p</em>H 7.0 solutions follow first order kinetics model, while that at <em>p</em>H 8.5 solution follow second order kinetics model. The drug release kinetics of composite dressing is investigated at different <em>p</em>H using model drug Bovine serum albumin. Drug release kinetics follows Peppas model and drug is released by Fickian diffusion mechanism. The surface morphology of the composite dressing is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The pores of different size are observed at different <em>p</em>H. The drug release from composite dressing is directly influenced by swelling and pore size. These composite wound dressing materials have a great potential to be used as a medicated dressing in wound healing process for non chronic wounds.