Biocompatible stimuli responsive superabsorbent polymer for controlled release of GHK-Cu peptide for wound dressing application

Superabsorbent polymer based on Polyaspartic acid (PASP) and 2-acrylamido-propane sulphonic acid (AMPS) has been synthesized to achieve maximum swelling with deionized water. The swelling properties of the polymer have been studied in different physiological fluids viz. saline and glucose. Best swelling has been observed in glucose solution. Studies at different pH have shown that the polymer has better swelling under extreme acidic and alkaline conditions. A parabolic curve has been observed. The polymer based on PASP and AMPS is sensitive to glucose and pH conditions. This property can be exploited for diabetic /chronic wound dressing. The polymer has also been evaluated for their blood compatibility, encapsulation efficiency and release of peptide GHK-Cu having dermatological application. The polymer and the encapsulated polymer structure have been studied using FTIR and SEM with EDAX. An encapsulation efficiency of 72.8% was achieved and a release of 88.46% was observed in 24h.