Vol. 9, Special Issue 2 (2024)

Author(s): Arundhathy SN, Suja Rani S and Nisha AR

Abstract: Burn trauma is an excruciating form of wound classified under the open wound category, which is of global significance. They are caused by heat, electricity or chemicals. Burn wounds are intractable in nature hence wound dressings are an inevitable part for the proper management of wound healing. Hydrogels are a novel class of functional polymer material that has an exciting prospects in the biomedical industry. The 3-D cross-linked polymer networks in hydrogels can absorb and hold copious Water, while maintaining its structure patent. Moreover, the hydrophilic nature and soft tissue like characteristics make hydrogels emerge as an ideal burn wound dressing agent. In the current study Chitosan- PVA hydrogels are prepared by different methods and their properties are evaluated. The most efficient hydrogel is used for further studies as a prospective dressing material for effective burn wound management.Chitosan-Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel was prepared by cross-linking chitosan, with the synthetic polymer PVA. The cross-linking was done by freeze-thaw technique (physical cross-linking), formaldehyde cross-linking method (chemical cross-linking) and also double cross-linking technique, which is a combination of physical and chemical method. Characterization of the hydrogel formulations was done using FTIR and by analysis of gel fraction, swelling ratio, water absorption percentage and equilibrium water content of the hydrogel. The chemically and dual cross-linked hydrogels were proven to be more effective as compared to the physically cross-linked hydrogel based on physicaland chemical characteristics. The study, therefore indicates the suitability of application of chemical and dual cross-linked hydrogels for burn wound management. It also warrants further investigations by in incorporation of potential active ingredients such as anti-inflammatory drugs, various phytochemical constituents (beta- caryophyllene, Eugenol) and others into the hydrogels to synthesize various functional hydrogels that may serve as novel potent alternative for effective burn wound management.