Development of Chitosan/Carvacrol-Based Hydrogels: Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation

Abstract

Chitosan hydrogels are gaining significant importance in the biomedical area field due to their application in wound dressings and drug delivery systems. In the present study, chitosan-based hydrogels were developed and loaded with carvacrol at different concentrations. They were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their biocompatibility was assessed through direct hemolysis tests, yielding favorable results, as they were found to be safe for contact with blood. Another significant finding emerged from the antimicrobial tests, where the hydrogels achieved >95% inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and >90% against Escherichia coli. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated a sustained release of carvacrol over at least 48 h. Those results suggest that chitosan/carvacrol-based hydrogels are promising materials for medical applications, particularly as wound dressings, with biocompatible and antimicrobial properties, as well as for use in drug delivery systems.