Synthesis and optimization of immunomodulating hydrogel for biomedical application

Abstract

Treatment towards wound healing, a complex and dynamic process, has been given a great deal of efforts in the last few decades. Focus has been imposed on developing wound dressings that meet the requirements for proper wound healing. In this study, hydrogel made from blends of poly (vinyl alcohol) and β-1,6-branched-β-1,3-glucan (beta-glucan) were synthesized by modified solvent casting method for wound dressing application. Optimization of hydrogel composition and analysis of wound dressing parameters such as stability and fluid uptake capacity (in the presence of water, saline and different pH solutions) has been studied. The result indicated that the PVA/beta-glucan hydrogel hold its structural integrity even at alkaline pH (pH~9) and upholds fluids four times of its original weight. Thus, the developed hydrogel is expected to be a promising candidate as wound dressing.