Fabrication and characterization of absorbent and antibacterial alginate fibers loaded with sulfanilamide

Absorbent alginate fibers were fabricated using wet spinning technique and a broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent sulfanilamide was loaded from co-dissolving solution. The drug entrapment in the fibers during the processing was confirmed by optical microscope, SEM and FTIR. The water absorbency, in vitro drug release and antibacterial activities were performed to evaluate the potential application of the sulfanilamide-loaded alginate fibers for wound dressing. The results indicated that sulfanilamide was successfully encapsulated into the alginate fibers, and this system was stable in terms of high loading content and effectiveness in release. The in vitro release experiment showed a sustained and controlled release pattern of the drug from the fibers. And in vitro activity substantiated the fact that sulfanilamide was delivered in its active state and exhibited better antibacterial activities in comparison with the pure alginate fibers. Therefore the present investigation indicated that the sulfanilamide-loaded alginate fibers have potential application as ideal wound dressing.