Characterization of Wound Dressing Hydrogel

Abstract

Hydrogel wound dressings have been prepared using the gamma rays irradiation technique the dose at 25kGy.The dressings are composed of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Carrageenan and Agar. Preparation best method, drying and sealing effect for the swelling results were tested. Gel fraction, maximum swelling, swelling kinetics, mechanical properties and Scanning Electron Microscopic view (SEM) were investigated as the properties of dressing for wound. Autoclave mixture preparation of PVA 6% packed with polyethylene terephthalate(PET) film with 3 hour air drying before the irradiation have been optimized for the use as a wound dressing hydrogel. Around 3.50 Equilibrium degree of swelling (EDS) ratio, around 85% Gel fraction,1.36Ncm'2 Tensile strength, 500%elongation, 0.04Ncm'2 for 25% compression and 0.17Ncm'2 for 50% compression values have been resulted from PVA 6% hydrogel. Even the expected mechanical properties are achieved further developments must be made on wound dressing hydrogel. As the porosity must be improved to obtain the maximum swelling with liquid.This is the only first production of wound dressing hydrogel in Sri Lanka.