Exploring neem gum in designing hydrogel dressings by covalent and supra-molecular interactions for better wound healing

Abstract

Neem gum is a bioactive polysaccharide that has various therapeutic applications. Herein, it was explored in designing network structure in the form of hydrogel wound dressings (WD) by covalent and supramolecular interactions. These hydrogel dressings were encapsulated with the antibiotic drug cefuroxime for better wound healing. SEM and AFM showed surface heterogeneity with a rough surface of the hydrogel network. 13C-NMR and FTIR demonstrated incorporation of carbopol and poly (vinylsulphonic) (VSA) in dressings. XRD and TGA indicated the amorphous state of copolymers with improved thermal properties. Interactions of copolymers with drug, blood, and bio-membrane have revealed sustained drug release, blood-compatible and mucoadhesive nature of hydrogel dressings which have capacity to absorb 8.50 ± 0.18 g/g of simulated fluid. Dressings were O2 and H2O vapour permeable. The diffusion mechanism of the antibiotic drug cefuroxime was found Fickian-type with first- order kinetic model. Antibacterial character of polymeric hydrogels was found against microbes during the antimicrobial test. These properties advocated these hydrogels as materials for WD and drug delivery (DD).