Grafting of poly(N-maleyl-chitosan-co-methacrylic acid) hydrogels onto cotton gauze for the development of textile dressings with controlled release of antimicrobial agents
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This work presents the development of textile dressings through the chemical modification of cotton gauzes with poly(N-maleyl-chitosan- co -methacrylic acid) hydrogel (gauze-g-poly(N-CS- co -MAA)) via free radical polymerization. The effects of N-CS:MAA ratio, comonomer and initiator concentrations, and reaction temperature on the grafting percentage were evaluated. Samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Swelling ratio, wettability, breaking force-elongation, and water vapor transmission tests were also performed. Modified cotton gauzes were loaded with ciprofloxacin, whose release was tested at different pH values (5 and 7.4). Additionally, the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , and in vitro cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts (1132SK cell line) assays were conducted. The obtained dressings showed maximum poly(N-CS- co -MAA) grafting percentages of 110 ± 3.4 %, with a maximum swelling capacity of 254 ± 10.4 %, and water vapor transmission rates within the optimal range for promoting wound healing (1800–2300 g/m 2 /day). Moreover, the ciprofloxacin loading and release reached maximum values of 5.31 × 10 ₋2 ± 3.31 × 10 ₋4 mg CPx/mg sample and 63 ± 3.7 %, respectively. The gauze-g-poly(N-CS- co -MAA) dressings demonstrated biocompatibility and effectively inhibited bacterial growth (above 96 %). These results highlight the potential of these dressings for application in wound care and treatment.
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,390
OpenAlex ID: W4416888673