Pharmaceutical properties of a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) hydrogel as a novel external dressing.

Abstract

Controlling the moisture balance between exudates and their transpiration from the surface of wounded skin is important for healing. Low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC) hydrogel sheets (HGSs) possessing high water retention and water vapor transmission properties were prepared by neutralizing the highly viscous alkaline liquid of 7-10% L-HPC. Glycerol-impregnated L-HPC hydrogel sheets (L-HPC G-HGSs) were obtained by exchanging aqueous liquid in L-HPC HGSs. The physical characteristics required for wound dressings, i.e., mechanical strength, adhesive strength, and water retention properties, as well as the water vapor transmission (WVT) properties of L-HPC HGSs and L-HPC G-HGSs were evaluated. The mechanical strengths of L-HPC HGSs were enhanced with increases in the L-HPC content. The impregnation of glycerol in L-HPC HGSs yielded a significantly elasticated sheet. The adhesive strengths of L-HPC HGSs were significantly lower than those of commercial medical dressings. Water retention in L-HPC HGSs after being stored for 2h at 37°C was approximately 50%. The WVT rate of 7% L-HPC HGS was approximately 40g/m(2)/h, which was markedly higher than that of silicone gel type medical dressings. In conclusion, L-HPC HGSs are promising dressings that maintain an adequate moisture balance by transpiring excessive wound exudates with less damage to the healing wound.

• Authors: Atsushi Ogawa, Sachie Nakayama, Mami Uehara, Yasuhiro Mori, Mai Takahashi, Tetsuya Aiba, Yuji Kurosaki
• Journal: International journal of pharmaceutics (Int J Pharm) Vol. 477 Issue 1-2 Pg. 546-52 (Dec 30 2014) ISSN: 1873-3476 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 25455783 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Water
• Cellulose
• hydroxypropylcellulose

Topics

• Adhesiveness
• Animals
• Bandages, Hydrocolloid
• Cellulose (analogs & derivatives, chemistry, pharmacology)
• Male
• Molecular Structure
• Rats, Wistar
• Skin (drug effects, injuries)
• Stress, Mechanical
• Tensile Strength
• Volatilization
• Water (analysis)
• Wound Healing (drug effects)