Preparation of Hydrogels by Redox Initiation Via Free Radical Polymerisation for Biomedical use as Wound Dressings

AbstractPreparation of hydrogels for biomedical use as wound dressings was studied. A partially hydrated hydrogel of sodium2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate (Na-AMPS) was prepared by redox initiation via free radical polymerisation in aqueous solution. The results showed that the hydrogel sheets had good coherency. The equilibrium water absorption (EWC) of hydrogel sheet was 98%, reaching to equilibrium within 30 min and the water molecule evaporated from the hydrogel up to 240 min at water retention of 22%. The WVT rate of Na-AMPS hydrogel was about 85 g/m2.hr which was in the range of commercial products. The oxygen permeability of the hydrogel sheet was about 300-400 x 10-11 cc.mm./cm2.s.cmHg. Finally, it was foundthat this hydrogel was non-toxic that suitable for use in biomedical application

The Production and Application of Hydrogels for Wound Management: A Review

Wound treatment has increased in importance in the wound care sector due to the pervasiveness of chronic wounds in the high-risk population including, but not limited to, geriatric population, immunocompromised and obese patients. Furthermore, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is rapidly growing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global diabetic occurrence has increased from 4.7 in 1980 to 8.5 in 2014. As diabetes becomes a common medical condition, it has also become one of the major causes of chronic wounds which require specialised care to address patients’ unique needs. Wound dressings play a vital role in the wound healing process as they protect the wound site from the external environment. They are also capable of interacting with the wound bed in order to facilitate and accelerate the healing process. Advanced dressings such as hydrogels are designed to maintain a moist environment at the site of application and due to high water content are ideal candidates for wound management. Hydrogels can be used for both exudating or dry necrotic wounds. Additionally, hydrogels also demonstrate other unique features such as softness, malleability and biocompatibility. Nowadays, advanced wound care products make up around 7.1 billion of the global market and their production is growing at an annual rate of 8.3 with the market projected to be worth 12.5 billion by 2022. The presented review focuses on novel hydrogel wound dressings, their main characteristics and their wound management applications. It also describes recent methodologies used for their production and the future potential developments