Synthesis, characterization and efficacy of chemically crosslinked PVA hydrogels for dermal wound healing in experimental animals

Abstract

In this study, we have investigated the efficacy of crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel as a wound dressing material, using rat as the animal model. The hydrogel was synthesized by chemical crosslinking of PVA with potassium persulphate and the crosslinking reaction parameters were optimized. The developed hydrogel was found to possess excellent mechanical properties, high water absorption capacity, gel content, and optimum water vapor transmission rate, indicating its ability to act as an effective wound dressing material. The inherent nontoxic characteristics of PVA remained unaltered after crosslinking. The in vitro diffusion studies of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model protein, indicated a relatively slow release of protein resulting from its microencapsulation in the polymeric matrix. For in vivo studies, full‐thickness excision wounds (2 × 2 cm2) were made on the dorsal surface of rats. The hydrogel was applied on the wound and changed at regular intervals. For comparison of wound healing ability, a radiation crosslinked PVA‐based hydrogel, “HiZel” was used as a reference control. The wounds treated with PVA hydrogel healed faster as indicated by an increased rate of wound contraction (16.5 days versus 22.0 in control group). Treatment with “Hizel” led to increase in hydroxyproline in the wound tissue, whereas treatment with PVA hydrogel led to increase in both hydroxyproline as well as hexosamine. This probably provides added strength to the tissue, thereby indicating that PVA hydrogel had higher efficacy than “Hizel”. The results suggest that chemically crosslinked PVA hydrogel could be used as an effective wound dressing material. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

A review on wound dressings with an emphasis on electrospun nanofibrous polymeric bandages

“…Table 3 shows commercial antibacterial wound dressing materials containing these bioactive materials 61. Recent developments in wound dressing materials and their production methods as well as the ingredients used have been reviewed 62–75…”

Bacterial Cellulose/Collagen Hydrogel for Wound Healing

“…According to the literature, collagen provides strength and integrity of tissue matrix and promotes homeostasis with breakage and synthesis of type II collagen and epithelialization in the later phase of healing 59 . The characteristics of bacterial cellulose, as translucent wound dressing and easy application and removal may be advantageous in cases of exacerbated healing (fibrosis) and/or exudate 36 .…”

Crosslinked PVAL nanofibers with enhanced long‐term stability prepared by single‐step electrospinning

“…Aqueous solutions of PVAL (5–20% w/v) were prepared by dissolving the requisite amount of PVAL in water under stirring until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. Crosslinking of the polymer was performed in accordance with the procedure reported previously . In brief, 0.5% w/v potassium persulfate was added to the polymer solution, and the reaction was allowed to proceed at 80°C for 75 min.…”

“…Reaction with potassium persulfate has been reported to initiate grafting of vinyl monomers onto polymers that carry oxidizable hydroxyl groups . We have previously reported the use of potassium persulfate to prepare crosslinked PVAL gels . Our approach adopted here is to use a conventional electrospinning setup and a simple system consisting of potassium persulfate and PVAL to prepare crosslinked nanofibrous mats.…”