Alginate-pluronic topical gels loaded with thymol, norfloxacin and ZnO nanoparticles as potential wound dressings

Wounds infected by bacteria are challenging to treat. On the other hand, excessive bleeding from wounds is life-threatening and fatal. Topical gels have been employed as wound dressings due to their capability to sustain a required concentration of antimicrobial agents at the site of action and control excessive bleeding. In this research, topical gels were prepared from the combination of sodium alginate and Pluronic F127. They were loaded with antimicrobial agents such as norfloxacin, ZnO NPs and thymol together with an antifibrinolytic agent, aminocaproic acid. In vitro antibacterial analysis revealed the efficacy of the formulations against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria when compared to the control. Aminocaproic acid was found to act as a potentiating agent when loaded together with thymol or norfloxacin in the gels resulting in potent antibacterial activity. The viscosity of the gels was in the range of 45601-17576 cP indicating their suitability for sustained drug release. Whole blood clotting studies further revealed low absorbance values when compared to the control revealing the good clotting capability of the gels. The aforementioned unique features of the gels suggest that they are potential wound dressings for the treatment of bacterial infected and bleeding wounds.