Cefuroxime imprinted p(HEMATrp) Cryogels: Preparation, Characterization and Antibacterial role

Abstract

Both Gram negative and positive bacterial strains are known as the most frequently responsible causative agents for wound infections. These infections can resulted in morbidity and mortality due to the severity. Antimicrobial agents have often been preferred to treat these infections. In this respect, Cefuroxime (CXM) belongs to the second-generation cephalosporins could be suggested against wound infections. In recent years, designing of drug delivery systems have received interest and cryogels are promising tools for creating these systems. Their elastic nature, high macroporosity, absorption and releasing ability make these materials unique for drug delivery. Besides, imprinting approach could be integrated into cryogelation and resultant matrix has an ability to recognize target antimicrobial agent having high selectivity and sensitivity prepared along with an easy and cost-effective methodology. In the present study, CXM was imprinted onto Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) based N‐methacryloyl‐l‐tryptophan (MATrp) containing [p(HEMATrp)] cryogels. MATrp was used as the co-monomer for the preparation of CXM-p(HEMATrp) cryogels. Characterization experiments were performed to analyze the structure of prepared cryogels. Following drug loading and releasing assays, antimicrobial performances CXM-p(HEMATrp) cryogels were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, CXM-p(HEMATrp) cryogels have been recommended as potential carriers for further biomedical applications.