Preparation and evaluation of blend polymer films for wound dressing using vancomycin-loaded polycaprolactone and carboxymethyl cellulose via crosslinking methods: Effect of mechanical strength, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity

Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are two materials with beneficial properties for wound healing applications. Here, the simple preparation of PCL/CMC polymer films via the crosslinking method was demonstrated for the first time. The polymer films represented the suitable properties of liquid absorption and tensile strength to be used as a wound dressing. The blend polymer films can also load the vancomycin, which prolongs the drug release for effectiveness against S. aureus. The trifluoroethanol showed less toxicity in comparison with other crosslinking agents. This process can also be applied further in other medical devices and wound healing applications.