New injectable dressing: A green synthesis-based composite hydrogel (NaCMC/CA/BG) with high antibacterial activity

Abstract

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to modern healthcare. A potential solution to prevent this issue is the development of new composite systems with antibacterial properties. In this study, a series of composite hydrogels based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), citric acid (CA), and bioglass (BG) were prepared using an eco-friendly synthesis method. The synthetic component (BG) varied in the hydrogels and was analyzed separately by XRD and chemical durability tests. Various techniques, such as SEM-EDX, FTIR, and rheological measurements were employed for the structural characterization of the hydrogels. The antibacterial efficiency against six bacterial strains was performed by an adapted disk diffusion technique. The cross-linking of hydrogels with CA, as well as the presence of BG in composite hydrogels, was demonstrated by the FTIR spectra. Rheological measurements indicated the non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic, and thixotropic character of the composite hydrogels, suggesting their favorable injectable performance. SEM analysis confirmed the porous, homogeneous, and 3D structure of the hydrogels, along with their absorption properties. Only five of six bacterial strains were susceptible to the NaCMC/CA/BG hydrogels and positive control (GEN). The results showed large and clear zones of inhibition exhibited by composite hydrogels confirming their high antibacterial character. However, there were no significant differences between the blank sample (NaCMC/CA) and BG-containing hydrogels (NaCMC/CA/BG) after 24 h. Together, these results suggest that the NaCMC/CA/BG-based hydrogel can be a promising candidate for drug delivery due to its high susceptibility to antibacterial activity.