ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) and fucidic acid on the gel characterization for the development of sodium fucidate-loaded wound dressing. The cross-linked hydrogel films were prepared with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) using the freeze-thawing method. Their gel properties such as gel fraction, swelling, water vapor transmission test, morphology, tensile strength and thermal property were investigated. In vitro protein adsorption test and release were performed. Na-CMC decreased the gel fraction and tensile strength of the hydrogels, but increased the swelling ability, water vapor transmission rate, elasticity and porosity of hydrogels. Thus, the wound dressing developed with PVA and Na-CMC was more swellable, flexible and elastic than that with only PVA because of its cross-linking interaction with PVA. However, the drug had a negative effect on the gel properties of hydrogels but there were no significant differences. In particular, the hydrogel composed of 2.5% PVA, 1.125% Na-CMC and 0.2% drug might give an adequate level of moisture and build up the exudates on the wound area. Thus, this sodium fucidate-loaded hydrogel could be a potential candidate for wound dressing with excellent forming.