Fabrication of physically crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate hydrogels for the delivery of curcumin and tranexamic acid

1. Introduction

Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked polymeric materials that has been explored for a wide range of applications. In this work, we have fabricated hydrogels with different morphologies for the delivery of a therapeutic, curcumin and an anti-fibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid.

1. Method

Polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate hydrogel films containing various ratios of monomers were prepared by performing three freeze-thaw cycles and ionotropic crosslinking with calcium ions (3%). The swelling capacity, equilibrium water content, water diffusion kinetics, network parameters, and morphology were studied using standard methods. Drug loading and release under various external conditions were studied using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy.

1. Results

The hydrogels prepared by solvent casting method exhibited a smooth morphology while hydrogels prepared by freeze drawing exhibited a porous and less dense structure. The hydrogels showed good swelling capacity with no disintegration of the material.

1. Conclusions and on-going work

The hydrogels exhibited properties required for wound dressings. With loaded curcumin and tranexamic acid these materials may have potential application as wound dressing bandages. Other studies such as antibacterial features, cell cytotoxicity, mechanical properties are currently in progress.

Materials for Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Building No. 2441, Road 2835, Busaiteen Block 228, Kingdom of Bahrain