A chitosan oligosaccharide hydrogel with customized drug release system capable to entrap both hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecule

A drug delivery system is a device that administers a medication to a specific location on the body while controlling the dosage and rate of release. Since developing a unique chemical component is time-intensive and costly, building new delivery systems for existing drugs can significantly boost their effectiveness, security, compliance among patients. Moreover, chronic and acute wounds are mostly treated with antibiotics along other medications to speed up curing but burdens the wounded area with antibiotics resulting into antibiotic resistance. This study aims to create and evaluate an antibacterial hydrogel with a controlled release mechanism. The chitosan oligosaccharide and copper ions have synergistic effect in creation of antibacterial hydrogel. Since it contains β-cyclodextrin, it can entrap hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules and carry out pH-sensitive targeted drug administration. Due to its variable pore size, the big pores can release drug quickly i.e., within 1 hour whereas, the small pores release the drug slowly for the next 24 hours. As, this allows to control the quantity of drug release at the targeted site with respect to time, therefore this property makes the hydrogel more convenient to use. The characteristics exhibited by the hydrogel have the potential to decrease antibiotic usage while also facilitating the dispensing of various drugs, independent of their solubility. • High and miscellaneous porosity of PCMCHBPEG3 ranging from 29 µm to 58 µm. • Antibacterial hydrogel (PCMCHBPEG3) and efficient pH sensitive drug release. • Customized drug release system due to porosity and pH sensitivity. • Capability to entrap essential oil via β-cyclodextrins. • Consist of thermal stability and cytocompatible.