%A Okoye, Ebere %A Okolie, Tobias %T Development and in vitro characterization of ciprofloxacin loaded polymeric films for wound dressing %9 Original Article %D 2015 %J International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences %R 10.4103/2278-344X.167660 %P 234-242 %V 4 %N 4 %U https://www.ijhas.in/article.asp?issn=2278-344X;year=2015;volume=4;issue=4;spage=234;epage=242;aulast=Okoye %8 October 1, 2015 %X Background and Aim: Wound treatment is always encumbered with diverse challenges, including inadequacy of dressings. This study was undertaken to fabricate and characterize an antibiotic film useable as a wound dressing. Materials and Methods: Gelatin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC), and their blends (at 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) were loaded with ciprofloxacin at drug: polymer ratios of 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10 and fabricated into films using the solvent casting method. In vitro characterization of the films was conducted using standard protocols for wound dressing films. Results: The products displayed uniformity of weight and thickness; sorption capacity was 16–24 times their weights of fluid, with significant differences (P < 0.05), blend of polymers conferred much better sorption capability. Their surface pH lied between 6.33 and 6.74; bending endurance was excellent; photomicroscopy revealed uniform distribution of ciprofloxacin crystals; Fourier transform infrared analysis and differential scanning calorimetry showed that ciprofloxacin interactions with infrared and thermal energies were overshadowed by the polymers. The content uniformity of the formulations was within official limits while the in vitro drug release and antibacterial activities revealed that polymer blends at 1:1 or 1:2 (Na-CMC: gelatin) stood out as the most promising combination for the formulation of ciprofloxacin wound dressing films. Conclusion: Combination of Na-CMC and gelatin in the fabrication of wound dressing film is an attractive choice judging from the outcome of this study. The antibacterial activities and sorption capacities of the drug loaded films are strong indicators to their in vivo functionalities as wound dressing. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 2278-344X