Synthesis and characterization of a novel controlled release zinc oxide/gentamicin–chitosan composite with potential applications in wounds care

Freshly prepared ZnO nanoparticles were incorporated into a chitosan solution in weight ratios ranging from 1:1 to 12:1. Starting from the ratio of 3:1 the chitosan solution was transformed into a gel with a high consistency, which incorporates 15 mL water for only 0.1 g solid substance. The powders obtained after drying the gel were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermal analysis (TG-DSC). The electronic (UV–vis), infrared (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra were also recorded. ZnO particles were coated with gentamicin and incorporated into the chitosan matrix, to yield a ZnO/gentamicin–chitosan gel. The release rate of gentamicin was monitored photometrically. This ZnO/gentamicin–chitosan gel proved great antimicrobial properties, inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth in both planktonic and surface-attached conditions. The results indicate that the obtained composite can be used in cutaneous healing for developing improved wound dressings, which combine the antibacterial activity of all three components with the controlled release of the antibiotic. This wound dressing maintains a moist environment at the wound interface, providing a cooling sensation and soothing effect, while slowly releasing the antibiotic. The system is fully scalable to any other soluble drug, as the entire solution remains trapped in the ZnO–chitosan gel.