Superabsorbent Bacterial Cellulose–Carbopol Hydrogel Loaded with Bioactive Guided Murraya koenigii Leaf Extract for Burn Wound
摘要
Bacterial cellulose–Carbopol hydrogel loaded with Murraya koenigii leaf extract (MKLE) was successfully prepared and optimized using response surface methodology. The formulation was optimized at 10% bacterial cellulose, 0.25% Carbopol, and 0.125% N, N-methylene bisacrylamide as crosslinking agent. The optimized hydrogel exhibits the % swelling (998.33 ± 9.1), entrapment efficacy (83.67 ± 0.65%), and water retention capacity (30.24 ± 1.65%). The morphological structure and physical properties were characterized using SEM, FTIR, rheological properties, zeta potential, and stability studies. The effect of pH on the release mechanism of MKLE was elucidated by fitting in vitro release data to a series of mathematical models, i.e., zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Hixson–Crowell. Hydrogel exhibit a sustained maximum release at pH 8. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using the hemolysis inhibition assay. In vivo burn wound studies in rats demonstrated accelerated re-epithelialization, higher collagen deposition, and improved angiogenesis compared with the untreated groups. Histological findings further supported complete tissue regeneration within 21 days. Compared with conventional hydrogels, the developed bioactive cellulose–Carbopol matrix offers superior moisture retention, sustained drug release, and enhanced biological performance, indicating its potential as an effective bioengineered dressing for burn wound management.