PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF GELLAN GUM/GLYCOL CHITOSAN BASED BAICALEIN HYDROGEL FOR WOUND HEALING

Objective: The present work was emphasized on preparation, characterization and evaluation of baicalein loaded hydrogel to promote healing of wounds. Methods: Baicalein loaded hydrogel was developed using Gellan gum and Glycol chitosan polymers. Prepared hydrogels were characterized for various parameters like Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), swelling property, entrapment efficiency, rheology and drug release. Wound healing study was investigated by using incision dead space wound models. Healing effect was assessed by measurement of tensile strength, collagen content, hydroxyproline content, protein content and antioxidant status. Results: The percent entrapment efficiency of optimized hydrogel found to be 89.78±2.07 which resulted in controlled release of drug 85.03% in 12 h. The significant increased level of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was noticed in dead space wound model. The tensile strength study shows increase in collagen synthesis due to treatment with Baicalein loaded hydrogel. The higher collagen content, better granulation, increase in tensile strength was noticed. Histopathological examination also confirmed higher degree of re-epithelialization and enhanced cutaneous wound repair. Conclusion: In conclusion, biodegradable Baicalein loaded hydrogel might have high potential for wound healing with improved oxidative status and extended release of Baicalein.