Hybrid antibacterial hydrogels based on PVP and keratin incorporated with lavender extract

In this study, the mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and fibrous protein keratin was used to fabricate hybrid hydrogels by UV irradiation. The addition of hydrogen peroxide to the hydrogel expedites crosslinking during the irradiation. FTIR was used to study the chemical interactions between the polymers. Swelling ratio and mechanical properties of samples with different formulations were assessed and according to the obtained results, PVP:keratin hydrogel with the ratio of 3:1 was selected as the optimum sample. In order to induce antibacterial properties, herbal lavender extract at different percentages was incorporated into the hydrogel. The release profile of the extract from the hydrogels was studied, and the results demonstrated a diffusion mechanism. The antimicrobial test revealed that the incorporated hydrogels showed good antibacterial properties against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria confirming their potential applications in wound dressing.