Engineering a 3D network hydrogel composite membrane with Chitosan/Pluronic F127/bioactive glass for the topical administration of therapeutic agents

The primary aim of designing a topical drug delivery system is to address localized ailments by administering therapeutic agents directly to superficial areas of the body such as skin and open wounds . This study presents the engineering of a three-dimensional (3D) network hydrogel composite membrane comprising chitosan (CS), Pluronic F127 (Pl), and bioactive glass (BG) for the topical administration. In the presence of CS and Pl, glutaraldehyde forms imine bonds (Schiff base linkages) by reacting its aldehyde groups with the amino groups of the polymer chains. The hydrogel structural and chemical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed its unique composition and molecular structure. Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to image and investigate the morphology of the hydrogel, confirming its interconnected sheet like morphology with small beads structure. The hydrogels demonstrated excellent water retention ability as 32.93 %, further controlled degradation kinetics rate was systematically evaluated up to 14 days, and optimal swelling behavior makes it suitable for prolonged drug delivery applications. Moreover, hemocompatibility and cyto-compatibility assays yielded less than 1.1 % and above 60 %, confirming the hydrogel safety for blood contact and cell viability . Tube inversion tests confirmed its mechanical integrity, while antibacterial assays revealed its efficacy against pathogenic microorganisms. Co-culture studies demonstrated the capability of developed hydrogel to support cell growth and proliferation. In vitro drug release studies clearly reveal that the hydrogel provides a sustainable delivery system for piperacillin-tazobactam, demonstrating superior characteristics indicative of non-Fickian or anomalous diffusion. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited promising hemostatic properties, suggesting its potential for wound healing applications. Overall, this comprehensive strategy highlights the versatility of the engineered 3D network hydrogel composite membrane as a promising platform for delivering therapeutic agents locally in various biomedical applications.