Preparation and evaluation of the effect of hydrogel containing cedrus and mupirocin and application as a wound healing accelerator

Background: Hydrogel wound dressings, which contain antibiotics and natural tissue repair agents, can be a suitable option for wound treatment. Cedrus, due to its antibacterial properties, can significantly promote wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a hydrogel containing mupirocin and Cedrus in promoting wound healing and assessing histopathological changes in the skin tissue of adult male rats. Method: Hydrogels based on polymer alginate and gelatine were prepared and crosslinked with Genipin and calcium chloride in two steps. Mupirocin and Cedrus were loaded in hydrogels. Animals randomly divided into 4 groups of 7 rats. Negative control group (without treatment), positive control group (phenytoin), hydrogel group (received hydrogel without drug), and hydrogel containing mupirocin and Cedrus (H + C + M) group. The treatment period lasted for 21 days. Result: Biological tests showed that the prepared hydrogels are biodegradable and have appropriate swelling power and are biocompatible. The results of MTT (3,4,5 Dimethyl thiazol_2_yl5 Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) showed that the components of hydrogels did not have a toxic effect on cells, and improved the function of cells, their growth, and proliferation. Histopathological examination also showed in the H + C + M group compared to the negative control group and hydrogel, skin tissue changes were decreased, epidermis was formed in a wide area, and inflammatory cells were also reduced. Moreover, collagen fibres were formed, which shows the antibacterial properties of mupirocin and the elasticity of the hydrogel. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the hydrogel dressing containing Cedrus and mupirocin possesses favorable structural, physical, and biological properties and shows therapeutic potential for skin wound healing.