Synthesis and characterization of PVP/CaCO3-Ag blend hydrogel by gamma irradiation

Abstract

Chronic wounds are skin injuries with failed healing. They have become a public health problem that affects more than 2% of the population and the presence of bacteria resistances difficult of treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is opportunist pathogens and the treatment is difficult and requires a long period of treatment. Hydrogels are structure polymeric tridimensional and biocompatible. They have been used as a controlled delivery system for treatment of topic infection. Studies have reported calcium carbonate and silver ion can improve the mechanical properties and biocide activity of hydrogel. Here in this study, hydrogels loaded CaCO3-Ag were prepared using poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), poly (ethylene glycol), agar, calcium carbonate, silver nitrate followed gamma irradiation with 25 kGy dose. The gel fraction, behavior swelling and biocide action against P. aeruginosawas investigated. The degree of swelling of the hydrogel loaded CaCO3-Ag was 12% higher than the unloaded and exhibited antibacterial effects against P. aeruginosa and biofilm.