Fabrication and characterisation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/ethyl cellulose/polyvinylpyrrolidone based composite wafers as an anti-bacterial dressing: a promising approach for curcumin delivery

Wound healing is a complicated biological process primarily involving tissue regeneration and repair. However, conditions such as infection, poor blood circulation, or long-term illnesses/chronic diseases (like diabetes) can impede the healing process and cause delayed recovery. In order to address these challenges, authors developed wafers. The prepared wafers have emerged as a promising solution due to their ease of application, excellent biocompatibility, and ability to maintain a moist wound environment. These porous, sponge-like systems can also be loaded with bioactive agents, enabling sustained and controlled drug delivery. The wafer was fabricated using solvent casting method with polymeric mixture of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), ethyl cellulose (EC), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP K-30) and loaded with curcumin to promote wound healing. The loaded curcumin was dispersed using a high-speed homogeniser and lyophilized in a controlled environment. The developed wafer formulation was further characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), tensile strength analysis, swelling index, and water vapour transmission rate. The in vitro drug release study was carried out mimicking USP 5 paddle-over-disc type dissolution apparatus and the results indicated that the created wafers have a sustained drug release while keeping the tissue moist. The anti-microbial potential of wafers was confirmed using the disc diffusion method. The developed wafer showed strong potential as an antibacterial wound dressing, providing controlled drug release along with fast-acting relief from bacterial infections.