In‐vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory efficacy of the gelatin‐β‐cyclodextrin hydrogels as biodegradable carriers for rutin

Abstract This work targeted synthesizing covalently crosslinked gelatin‐ β cyclodextrin (Gel‐ βCD) hydrogels via the Schiff‐base reaction between the amino groups of Gel and aldehydic groups of βCD produced from periodate oxidation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM), water uptake (WU) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the chemical structure, surface morphology and thermal properties of the crosslinked Gel‐ βCD hydrogels. Rutin was loaded into the crosslinked hydrogels (Gel‐ βCD‐ R) and release profile was investigated. The antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities of Gel‐ βCD‐ R hydrogels were assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative), Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) and Candida albicans (fungal strain) and human red blood cells membrane protection as well. Results of FTIR spectra, SEM, WU and TGA analysis showed the successful Schiff‐base Gel‐ βCD hydrogels synthesis having porous structure, high swelling behavior and good thermal stability. Rutin release behavior was controlled in the developed hydrogels and after 24 h at pH 7.4 about 88 % and 95 % for Gel‐ βCD 2‐R and Gel‐ βCD 4‐R, respectively. The formulation Gel‐ βCD 2‐R hydrogel showed a significant antimicrobial activity; 98.35 %, 75.26 % and 94.67 % inhibition growth for P. aeruginosa , S. aureus and C. albicans respectively. Besides, the anti‐inflammatory result was 92 % that nominates the formulation Gel‐ βCD 2‐R hydrogel as a promising antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory alternative in drug delivery.