Preparation of Curcumin Loaded Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Poly(Ethylene Oxide)-Carboxymethyl Cellulose Membranes for Wound Care Application

In the present investigation, attempts have been made to fabricate curcumin incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene oxide)/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/PEO/CMC) freeze-dried membranes with nonwoven polyester fabric (PET) as the support layer for application as antimicrobial wound dressings. The membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance (ATR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Swelling behavior of the freeze-dried membranes was also studied. All membranes were easy to handle, flexible and hydrated rapidly. Water vapor transmission rate, density and porosity of the membranes were also determined. The antimicrobial nature of the dressings was monitored by zone of inhibition and colony count method. In vitro curcumin release profile was studied at 37 degrees C in PBS (pH 7.4). The results showed that these membranes were highly porous and exhibited interconnected porous morphology. Release profile of the curcumin showed that the release started immediately and continued up to 48 h, curcumin release showed Fickian behavior. These membranes showed very good growth inhibition of bacteria as compared to control membrane without curcumin. The present study provides antimicrobial membranes which can be potentially useful in preventing infection at the wound site.