Chitosan-based hydrogels to treat hydrofluoric acid burns and prevent infection

Abstract

There is an urgent need for treatments for hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns and their derivative problems that prevent hydrogen ion dissociation and fluoride ion binding to tissues. This study evaluated the ability of chitosan-based hydrogels combined with a buffer solution containing either boric acid or Tris and calcium gluconate (CHS-BA-CG and CHS-Tris-CG) to repair HF burn wounds and prevent wound infections. We assessed calcium release rates and biocompatability and constructed a mouse HF burn model to assess the tissue repair effects of the hydrogels. Finally, we performed disc diffusion tests from burn tissue and quantified the bacterial counts to assess the anti-infection properties of the hydrogels. Calcium was gradually released in the CHS-BA-CG and CHS-Tris-CG groups (73% and 43%, respectively, after 48 h). The cell viabilities at 48 h after HF burn in these groups were significantly higher than those in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and CG-treated groups. Histopathological evaluation showed a clear boundary between the epidermal and dermal layers in both CHS-BA-CG and CHS-Tris-CG-treated groups, indicating their effectiveness in tissue repair. In the disc diffusion test, CHS-BA-CG and CHS-Tris-CG exhibited larger inhibition zones against Acinetobacter baumannii than those for PBS and CG. The bacterial counts on HF burn wounds were significantly lower in the CHS-BA-CG and CHS-Tris-CG-treated groups than those in the PBS and CG-treated groups. The in vitro studies demonstrated the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effects of the CHS-BA-CG and CHS-Tris-CG hydrogels. Both gels also demonstrated tissue repair and anti-infection effects. Thus, chitosan-based hydrogels may be candidates for HF burn therapy.

Topikal Uygulamalar için Antimikrobiyal Kitosan-Sodyum tetrafloroborat (NaBF4) Hidrojeller

“…In the literature there is no chitosan hydrogel prepared by using NaBF 4 ; however, there are some studies investigating the synergetic effect of boron compounds with chitosan for their potential use as wound care applications. In a study conducted by Huang et al ( 2021) chitosanbased hydrogels were prepared by using boric acid or Tris and calcium gluconate containing buffer solutions [52]. According to the results both gels demonstrated tissue repair and anti-infection effects and they were evaluated as potential wound care material for hydrofluoric acid burn therapy.…”

Clinical efficacy of chitosan‐based hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of chronic refractory wounds

“… 31 , 32 A recent study indicated that chitosan‐based hydrogels alone can be used to treat hydrofluoric acid burns and prevent infection. 33 Similarly, chitosan‐based hydrogels act as thermo‐sensitive hydrogels for drug delivery. 34 The chitosan/calotropis procera‐based hydrogels were able to stimulate the formation of granulation tissue and angiogenesis in wound healing applications.…”

“…At present, many hydrogel dressing products made of natural or artificial polymer materials have been used in clinical applications, including AQUACEL, TegaGel, and NuGel 31,32 . A recent study indicated that chitosan‐based hydrogels alone can be used to treat hydrofluoric acid burns and prevent infection 33 . Similarly, chitosan‐based hydrogels act as thermo‐sensitive hydrogels for drug delivery 34 .…”

Drug delivery for fighting infectious diseases: a global perspective

“…Meng et al review the applications of chitosan-based systems for the treatment of infectious diseases, as well as the design considerations including adhesive ability, controlled release function, and other physical properties [27]. Skin application of chitosan-based hydrogels was reported by Huang et al [28]. Chitosan-based hydrogels showed improved recovery of hydrofluoric acid burns with the prevention of skin infections.…”