Ciprofloxacin-loaded chitosan microparticles for controlled drug delivery: A novel gelatin-based wound dressing

Impaired wound healing in chronic wounds presents a significant clinical challenge, increasing susceptibility to infection, prolonging treatment duration, and posing a risk to patient survival. Consequently, the development of effective drug delivery systems capable of sustained local drug release at the wound site is crucial. This study addresses this need by designing a novel composite film for the controlled release of Ciprofloxacin (CIP), an antimicrobial agent. The film comprised Gelatin cross-linked with varying Genipin concentrations, incorporating CIP-loaded chitosan microparticles (CIP-CS MPs) prepared by lyophilization (freeze-drying) and oven drying. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful loading of CIP into CIP-CS MPs. SEM images revealed a consistent spherical morphology of the CIP-CS MPs. ATR-IR spectroscopy verified microparticle incorporation within the film. Subsequently, the dressing's properties were evaluated through in vitro release studies, antibacterial assays, and cell viability assessments. The drug encapsulation was 84.9 ± 1.4%, and CIP-CS MPs embedded in the Gelatin matrix provided a sustained drug-release profile, achieving 87.01% release over a 120-h period. Both CIP-CS MPs and the films demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Mechanical analysis of Genipin-crosslinked Gelatin films (0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/v Genipin) showed improved flexibility, with the 0.5% formulation exhibiting the highest elongation. Importantly, neither the CIP-CS MPs nor the CIP-CS MPs-incorporated films induced cytotoxicity in L929 fibroblast cells over a 48-h incubation period. The designed system significantly extended the drug-release time and effectively provided controlled, sustained Ciprofloxacin release for managing chronic wound infections.