Abstract

This study presents the development of Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels composed of acrylic acid crosslinked with N,N '-methylenebis(acrylamide) and interpenetrated with Tara Gum, specifically designed for the sustained release of bacitracin. The combination of synthetic and natural polymers leverages the structural stability of synthetic hydrogels and the biocompatibility and bioactivity of Tara Gum, addressing the need for tailored drug delivery systems for infection control in wound care. The hypothesis was that the incorporation of Tara Gum enhances the structural integrity, swelling capacity, mechanical properties, and drug release kinetics of hydrogel. The hydrogels were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, swelling studies, and rheological evaluation, demonstrating Tara Gum-induced improvements in porosity, pH-responsive swelling, and mechanical stability. Drug release studies revealed that higher Tara Gum content accelerated bacitracin release, attributed to increased porosity and reduced matrix density. Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus confirmed prolonged antibacterial efficacy, while biocompatibility tests demonstrated their safety for biomedical applications. This work highlights the potential of Tara Gum-based Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels to fill a critical gap in advanced wound care by offering a customizable platform for sustained drug delivery with enhanced mechanical and therapeutic performance. Future studies will focus on scaling production and preclinical validation to establish their clinical relevance.