Preparation and Properties of High Sheared Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Chitosan Blended Hydrogels Films with Lawsonia Inermis Extract as Wound Dressing

Abstract Worldwide, the fourth most predominant overwhelming type of trauma is burn injuries. Ideal wound healing dressings help in wound healing process in lower time with less pain. Commonly used dry wound dressing like absorbent gauze or absorbent cotton, possess limited therapeutic effects and require repeated use, which further aggravate patients’ suffering. In contrast, hydrogels present a promising alternative to improve healing by guaranteeing a moisture balance at the wound site. Lawsonia inermis is medicinal plant having good wound healing activity due to the presence of various phytochemical constituents. The main aim of this research was to prepare PVA/Chitosan blend topical hydrogel films. Phyto-chemical screening showed the presence bioactive constituents. Hydrogel prepared by high shear method, was investigated for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling behavior, pH, drug release and drug content. In-vivo study was conducted using rabbits as study subjects. Histopathological and biochemical studies were performed according to the standard protocols. Hydrogel showed 298±1.02% swelling index in 120 minutes. pH of the hydrogel was 5.16±0.046 (0time) and 5.01±0.034 (30 days) which confirmed skin suitability. Drug release was 0%, 45.8±0.47%, 57.3±0.62%, 65.7±0.57%, 73.2±0.97% and 81.5±0.72% at 0min, 1hr, 2hrs, 3hrs, 4hrs and 5hrs respectively. Drug content was 96.98±1.10% (zero time) and 96.72±0.91% (after 30 days). In vivo study showed 96.76% wound contraction in test group while 98.54% in standard group and 50.43% in control group. The test group showed statistically insignificant difference (p≥0.05; ANOVA) with standard group while significant differences (p