The present study aims to develop the antimicrobial wafers for chronic wound healing by lyophilisation technique. Cohesive, non-friable, porous, disc shape wafers were successfully produced with sodium alginate, guar gum (1:1 ratio) and Neomycin as an antimicrobial agent. FT–IR studies confirmed that there was no chemical interaction between the pure drug and used excipients. SEM studies showed that the formulation contains porous network and spongy like structure. Viscosity, tensile strength, drug content, water uptake study, hydration study, antimicrobial study, in vitro study, in vivo study on excision rat model of formulations having various concentrations of polymers was evaluated. Formulation F5 containing neomycin sulphate having viscosity of 12.89±0.93Pa.s, tensile strength 0.25±0.29 N/m2 and drug content 99.62 ±0.006%. Water uptake studies showed 715.6±52.37 % for control and 509.7±67.23% for drug loaded wafer. Hydration studies showed for formulation F5 was 97.91±0.02 % and also exhibited the most desirable wound dressing characteristics with the highest in vitro drug release. Formulation F5 exhibits greatest inhibition against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Formulation F5 showed better wound healing compared to Neomycin Sulphate cream. From the study it was concluded that antimicrobial wafers was successfully prepared for use in chronic wounds infected with bacteria.
