Dual effect of procaine-loaded pectin hydrogels: pain management and in vitro wound healing

This study aims to develop procaine-loaded pectin hydrogels for both local anesthetic delivery and wound healing. We investigated the effects of initial drug concentration, pH of initial drug solution, and drying temperature of hydrogel on the drug release behavior of hydrogels. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy were used for their characterization. Their swelling percentage, drug loading, and drug release behaviors were determined. Toxic effects of selected hydrogels on the wound healing ability of PCS-201-012 human dermal fibroblast cells and wound dressing properties were also investigated. According to our results, the hydrogels did not affect cell migration. Initial drug concentration, pH of initial drug solution, and drying temperature of hydrogels are crucial on procaine release behavior of pectin-based hydrogels.