Abstract
A chitosan-pectin (CS-PEC) biopolymeric hydrogel wound dressing was investigated for lidocaine delivery. Here we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) printed CS-PEC hydrogel incorporating the local anaesthetic drug lidocaine hydrochloride (LDC) as a potential wound dressing candidate. The hydrogels were prepared by physical crosslinking of CS and PEC polysaccharides. The scaffolds were printed using an extrusion-based 3D printer using a mechanical positive displacement dispensing system followed by lyophilisation. The 3D printed hydrogels showed good printability, dimensional integrity and self-adhesion to skin. The high swelling ratio and water absorption of 3D printed hydrogels indicated suitability for absorbing exudates and maintaining a moist wound healing environment. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated that the CS-PEC hydrogel was formed by hydrogen bonds. Incorporation of LDC in the hydrogel did not interfere with its functional stability. In vitro drug release studies of LDC over 6 h fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. This work demonstrates the possibility of a 3D printed hydrogel as a suitable candidate for wound dressings.
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•A new 3D printing hydrogel ink based on pectin and chitosan can be used to develop tailor-made medicated wound dressings.•Lidocaine can be incorporated into the scaffold providing immediate pain relief.•The 3D printed hydrogels had good printability, dimensional integrity and adhesive properties.•The water absorption capacity of hydrogels are suitable for absorbing exudates and maintaining a moist environment.