Photopolymerization of Chlorpromazine-Loaded Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels: Characterization and Antimicrobial Applications

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of hydrogels synthesized through the UV-pulsed laser photopolymerization of a polymer–photoinitiator–chlorpromazine mixture. Chlorpromazine was used for its known enhanced antimicrobial properties when exposed to U...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tatiana Tozar, Simona Nistorescu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Mihai Boni, Angela Staicu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-09-01
Series:Gels
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/10/10/632
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of hydrogels synthesized through the UV-pulsed laser photopolymerization of a polymer–photoinitiator–chlorpromazine mixture. Chlorpromazine was used for its known enhanced antimicrobial properties when exposed to UV laser radiation. The hydrogel was formed from a mixture containing 0.05% Irgacure 2959, 10% gelatin methacryloyl, and various concentrations of chlorpromazine (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL). Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to monitor the photoinduced changes of chlorpromazine and Irgacure 2959 during hydrogel formation, providing insight into the photodegradation dynamics. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of irradiated chlorpromazine within the hydrogel matrix, while the release profiles of chlorpromazine showed sustained release only in hydrogels containing 1 mg/mL of CPZ. The hydrogel showed significant antimicrobial activity against MRSA bacteria when compared to that of penicillin. These findings highlight the potential of CPZ loaded during the photopolymerization process into hydrogels as effective antimicrobial agents with sustained release properties, making them suitable for combating resistant bacterial strains.
ISSN:2310-2861