Design Of Chitosan-Peo Hybrid Films As Wound Dressings: A Study On Sustained Doxycycline Release

Abstract

Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process that requires optimal conditions for effective tissue repair and regeneration. This study investigates the design and performance of chitosan-polyethylene oxide (PEO) hybrid films as innovative wound dressings, focusing on the sustained release of doxycycline. Chitosan, exhibits biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal candidate for wound management. When combined with polyethylene oxide, the hybrid films showed enhanced flexibility, and controlled drug release profiles. Doxycycline was efficiently incorporated into the chitosan-PEO films using solvent casting, resulting in a prolonged and controlled release pattern. All evaluated physicochemical parameters, including weight variation, thickness, folding endurance, drug content, swelling index, and water vapor transmission rateyielded acceptable results. In vitro studies confirmed that the hybrid films were consistently releasing doxycycline over a 48-hour period, ensuring sustained antimicrobial activity. Among all formulations, F4 demonstrated optimal evaluation results, making it the preferred choice for wound dressing applications. FTIR and DSC studies confirmed the absence of drug-excipient interactions in the final formulation. Surface morphology analysis revealed that the films exhibited a smooth and homogeneous surface. Stability studies indicated good drug stability during storage.