Title
Studies on release of Rifampicin from chitosan-based hydrogel
Authors
LAURA LU CUTURICU, CEZAR-DORU RADU, ANDREEA RALUCA RUSU, CODRIN LACATUSU, ANGELA DANILA, CRISTINA MIHAELA RIMBU, CORNELIU MUNTEANU, BOGDAN ISTRATE, VIOREL SCRIPCARIU, GEANINA FLORENTINA LUPASCU and STEFANA LUCA

Received August 16, 2022
Published Volume 57 Issue 3-4 March-April
Keywords chitosan hydrogel, Rifampicin, swelling degree, porosity, release Rifampicin, antimicrobial activity

Abstract
The paper addresses issues related to the administration of Rifampicin (Rif) in the topical therapy of infected wounds. Considering that chitosan (CS), through its own antimicrobial action, would increase the therapeutic action of the antibiotic in the wound, a chitosan hydrogel was developed to incorporate rifampicin. Tests of swelling and porosity showed a hydrogel with high water absorption and established porous morphology. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of an intermolecular complex between CS and Rif. SEM images illustrated morphologies specific to CS hydrogels and the presence of Rif particles. Thermogravimetric analyses showed specific individual behavior, although mass loss values followed a common general profile. Rif particles included in the pores of the CS hydrogel are a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent against Gram-positive bacteria, but do not have the same antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria. The developed CS-based hydrogel has prospects for topical application of Rif in severe chronic wounds.