Optimization of Irgacure® 2959 Concentration as Photo-Initiator on Chitosan-Alginate Based Hydrogel for Colon Tissue Sealant

Tissue sealant is a material that is used as an adhesive to bond two tissue surfaces used during surgery. Chitosan and alginate are natural macromolecules used to manufacture hydrogels as tissue sealants because these two materials can strengthen bonds and the mechanical properties of tissue sealants. Irgacure((R)) 2959, as a photo-initiator, can strengthen the cross-linking between chitosan-alginate to produce a tissue sealant with good mechanical strength. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of adding Irgacure((R)) 2959 to chitosan-alginate hydrogel with different concentrations as a tissue sealant designed for the colon. The experimental design used a completely randomized design (CRD) with the addition of Irgacure((R)) 2959 0; 1; 2; 3; 4%. The characteristics of the hydrogel as a tissue covering observed in this study include the degree of swelling, water resistance, simulated adhesion, degree of crystallinity, and ability to inhibit bacteria. The results of this study showed that the addition of 4% Irgacure((R)) 2959 reduced the degree of swelling, increased the hydrogel's resistance to water, and increased adhesion. The interaction of chitosan and alginate with the addition of Irgacure((R)) 2959 produces cross-links, as evidenced by a degree of crystallinity of 26.21%. Based on these results, the chitosan-alginate hydrogel with the addition of Irgacure((R)) 2959 showed good potential in tissue sealant formulations, even though the inhibition of bacteria in all treatments showed low results, namely < 5 mm.