Design, optimization and pharmaceutical characterization of wound healing film dressings with chloramphenicol and ibuprofen

Abstract

Objective

The aim of the present study was to develop and optimize a wound dressing film loaded with chloramphenicol (CAM) and ibuprofen (IBU) using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach.

Significance

The two drugs have been combined in the same dressing as they address two critical aspects of the wound healing process, namely prevention of bacterial infection and reduction of inflammation and pain related to injury.

Methods

Three critical formulation variables were identified, namely the ratios of Kollicoat SR 30D, polyethylene glycol 400 and polyvinyl alcohol. These variables were further considered as factors of an experimental design, and 17 formulations loaded with CAM and IBU were prepared via solvent casting. The films were characterized in terms of dimensions, mechanical properties and bioadhesion. Additionally, the optimal formulation was characterized regarding tensile properties, swelling behavior, water vapor transmission rate, surface morphology, thermal behavior, goniometry, in vitro drug release, cell viability, and antibacterial activity.

Results

The film was optimized by setting minimal values for the folding endurance, adhesive force and hardness. The optimally formulated film showed good fluid handling properties in terms of swelling behavior and water vapor transmission rate. IBU and CAM were released from the film up to 80.9% and 82.5% for 8 h. The film was nontoxic, and the antibacterial activity was prominent against Micrococcus spp. and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Conclusions

The QbD approach was successfully implemented to develop and optimize a novel film dressing promising for the treatment of low-exuding acute wounds prone to infection and inflammation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Film dressings
• wound healing
• ibuprofen
• chloramphenicol
• quality by design

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the ‘Iuliu Hațieganu’ University and Medicine and Pharmacy through the internal doctoral research grant 771/56/11.01.2023.