Copper incorporated microporous chitosan-polyethylene glycol hydrogels loaded with naproxen for effective drug release and anti-infection wound dressing.

Copper ion (Cu2+) incorporated microporous chitosan-polyethylene glycol films were developed as a multipotent wound dressing material. The mechanical properties, swelling behavior and moisture permeability of hydrogel films with varying Cu2+ concentration and the release of Cu2+ from films were evaluated. The results revealed the enhanced mechanical stability of films with increasing Cu2+ concentration without compromising moisture permeability and absorption capability of wound exudates. Microporous surface and swollen micropores in hydrated conditions were confirmed from morphological analysis. Degradation studies in lysozyme and H2O2 demonstrated increasing stability of films with increasing Cu2+ concentration up to 30days. Antibacterial tests revealed superiority in inhibiting biofilm formation in comparison to chitosan films. In vitro drug release, MTT assays and cell adhesion tests demonstrated the efficiency of Cu2+ incorporated hydrogels in sustained drug release and antibacterial activity with excellent keratinocyte cell response.