Nano/Microcellulose-Doped Textile-Based Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels For Surgical Dressings

In this study, soft hydrogel layers reinforced withcotton nonwoven were produced to use as a surgical dressing. Solutionconsisting of two polymers (O-carboxymethyl chitosan and polyethylene glycol)were chemically cross-linked using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether.Optimum hydrogel formulation was determined considering mechanical parameters. Aftercasting of the selected formulation onto nonwovens, samples were freeze-dried. Toincrease the swelling capacity of the hydrogels, nano/micro-sized cellulose wasadded. Physical features, dynamic fluid handling capacity, water vaporpermeability, morphology (SEM), and chemical structure (FT-IR) were examined. Antibacterialand in vitro cytotoxicity assays wereapplied to the formulation showing the best characteristics.&nbsp