Carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/agarose hydrogel dressings containing silk fibroin/polydopamine nanoparticles for antibiotic delivery

Herein, biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel wound dressings were fabricated based on carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/agarose (CMC/SCMC/agarose). Simultaneously, three different nanoparticles including silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs), SFNPs modified with Polydopamine ([email protected]), and SFNPs blended with Polydopamine (SFPDA NPs) were synthesized, loaded with Ciprofloxacin, and then incorporated into the hydrogel. The size and electrical charge of nanoparticles were increased by adding PDA polymer. The drug loading was nearly 63.67, 74.3, and 80.74% for SFNPs, [email protected], and SFPDA NPs, respectively. More drug release (up to 75%) was observed for NPs containing PDA at alkaline pH compared with natural (⁓55%) and acidic (⁓50%) conditions. More than 80% bioactivity of the released antibiotic was preserved that was effective in inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the appropriate physicochemical properties and cellular responses of hydrogel containing various nanoparticles supported the proliferation and growth of the fibroblast cells. Taken together, the results suggested that this hydrogel would be a promising structure to treat wound infection.