Synthesis of crosslinked hydrogel polyethylene oxide and immobilization of antibiotic induced by using gamma radiation for wound dressing applications

The aim of this work was to study of the physico properties of crosslinked poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel produced by gamma and its potential use for drug release in order to be applied as a wound dressing. A crosslinked PEO hydrogel was prepared in the matrix form using PEO polymer via radiation polymerization. A series of PEO hydrogels with different compositions (1-7 % w/v) at an irradiation dose of 20-40 kGy were prepared. The gel content and swelling ratio studies were conducted by gravimetry. The maximum gel content of hydrogel ∼ 95 % at a dose of 40 kGy, and the swelling ratio maximum of 10-15 g/g was reached in about 8 h at the dose of 20 kGy. Drug release experiments were performed in a continually release system using model drug (tetracycline) loaded PEO hydrogel measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. A specific PEO hydrogel formulation possessing the highest PEO content (7 % w/v) and loaded with 10 mg antibiotic released range of 80-90 % of the total loaded drug in 24 h at pH 7.4 in distilled water. This hydrogels could be considered as a potential candidate for antibiotic carrier in wound dressing and or transdermal applications. (author)