Antibacterial Polypeptide nisin containing cotton modified hydrogel composite wound dressings

The objective of the study was to produce modified cotton hydrogel composite wound dressings by antibacterial nisin incorporation and biocompatible carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCht):alginate impregnation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study where an antibacterial polypeptide nisin containing hydrogel wound dressing was obtained for wound healing application. The produced hydrogel composite wound dressings retained their porous structures after polymer modification as well as they had an appropriate water vapor transmission rate. Furthermore, because of their hydrogel structures they had a high water up-take capacity and exhibited viscoelastic properties. They also had an antibacterial activity against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and no cytotoxicity on fibroblast cell. Texture profile analysis was used to obtain the mechanical properties of wound dressing for the first time and it was observed that wound dressings had a high compressive strength. Consequently, the produced hydrogel composite wound dressings would be suitable as a short-term dressing material for acute wounds.

Automated summary

The study produced modified cotton hydrogel composite wound dressings by incorporating antibacterial nisin and biocompatible carboxymethyl chitosan:alginate, which exhibited good mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate, and antibacterial activity.