Development of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride loaded poly(ethylene glycol)/chitosan scaffold as wound dressing

A novel ciprofloxacin hydrochloride loaded chitosan/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) composite scaffold was developed for wound dressing application. PEG incorporation in chitosan scaffold showed enhanced loading up to 5.4 % and increased cumulative release of the drug up to 35 % as compared to pure chitosan scaffold (20 %). The drug loading and control release of the drug has been explained by the morphological features and drug-polymer/polymer-polymer interactions revealed by SEM, FTIR and DSC. Bacterial growth inhibition evaluation using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus confirmed the efficacy of released drug from the scaffolds (pure and PEG mixed chitosan). Swelling study, bacterial penetration, moisture vapour transmission rate, haematocompatibility and biodegradation profile supported the suitability of scaffold used as wound dressing materials. In-vivo study on mice finally validated the controlled rate of drug release showing the effectiveness of PEG incorporation into the scaffold for quicker and regulated wound healing.