The work addresses the use of bio-based and -degradable materials for the production of a moist, adaptive and anti-microbial
wound dressing. The dressing is targeted to exhibit a pH-dependent active agent release.
Xanthan hydrogel structures are coated on
cellulose fabrics via stencil printing and subsequently cross-linked using
glyoxal. By alteration of the cross-linker content from 1 to 6% by mass, the
hydrogel elasticity can be tuned within a range of 2-16 kPa storage modulus. Increasing initial
glyoxal concentrations also result in higher amounts of
glyoxal release.
Glyoxal, an
anti-microbial agent with approval in veterinary medicine, is mostly released upon
wound application supporting
infection management. As
wound simulation,
normal saline, as pH 5 and pH 8
buffer solutions, were used. The release profile and magnitude of approx. 65%-90%
glyoxal is pH-dependent. Increased release rates of
glyoxal are present in pH 8 fluids, which mostly base on faster
hydrogel swelling. Higher total
glyoxal release is present in pH 5 fluid and
normal saline after 3 days. Accordingly, a pH-dependent release profile was encountered. As
glyoxal attacks any cell unselectively, it is expected to be effective against
antibiotic resistant bacteria. By stencil printing the dressing size can be adjusted to minimize healthy
glyoxal tissue exposure.