Production and characterization of HPMA-poly(Q4-VP) based bilayer antimicrobial dressing

This study aimed to produce poly(4-VP) and HPMA-based bilayer wound dressing materials enhancing healing mechanism for the wounds which have self-healing problem and high infection risk. These materials were designed to protect wound from secondary traumas caused bacterial invasion and do not have toxic substance release problem. Synthesis of quaternary poly(4-VP) (poly(Q4-VP)) which is the antibacterial layer of wound dressing mateial was carried out in two stages. At first stage, poly(4-vinyl pyridine) polymer was synthesized from 4-vinyl pyridine monomer by free radical polymerization. Then, poly(Q4-VP) was synthesized from poli(4-VP) by alkylation reaction with 6-bromocaproic acid. Resulted polymer was characterized by FT-IR, structurally. The macroporous spongy structure, as the layer of wound dressing material, was prepared by cryogelation of HPMA. Then, the antibacterial polymer was electrospun onto the cryogel structure and bilayered material was obtained. Cryogel structure, fiber morphology and layer integration was examined by SEM. To enhance wound healing mechanism, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was loaded to cryogel layer and release was followed by UV spectrometer. xv The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the materials were examined against S.aureus and C.albicans, respectively. According to the results, bilayered, antibacterial, temporary wound dressings which can stimulate wound healing and have high swelling capacity were obtained succesfully.