PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF MUPIROCIN LOADED POLYMER COMPOSITE FILMS

Abstract

Polymer composite films were prepared by using chitosan and sodium alginate alone and in combination with aloe vera, with & without glutaraldehyde were prepared by solvent casting method. Mupirocin was incorporated into selected polymeric films. All the polymeric composite films were characterized by IR study suggested that there was no chemical reaction has taken place, only ionic complex was formed. All the films were evaluated for thickness, folding endurance, and tensile strength. The thickness of all the films was uniform as the concentration of polymer was kept constant. The folding endurance suggested good flexibility of the films as propylene glycol was used as a plasticizer. The water vapour penetration suggested that films prepared without cross linker absorbs more moisture as compared to films containing cross linking agent. All the films subjected to tensile strength and in-vitro bio adhesion. The films showed good tensile strength, suggested good mechanical property for handling of dressing film. All the films showed the good bioadhesion, which must require to adhere perfectly over the wound. The presence of cross linking agent decreases the bioadhesion. All the polymer composite films were evaluated for in vitro swelling study. The films showed good swelling in water more than 6 hrs retaining the shape of the films. The addition of cross linking agent decreased the swelling. Selected polymer composite films were evaluated for in vivo wound healing activity. All the polymeric films showed more than 80% reduction in wound contraction. The mupirocin loaded polymeric composite containing aloe vera, showed more than 98% of reduction in wound area after 12^th day. Hence, from the overall study it can be concluded that polymer composite films of chitosan-alginate containing mupirocin along with aloe vera showed good wound healing and could be used in effective management of all type of wounds.