Viscoelastic behaviour of hyaluronic acid formulations containing carvacrol prodrugs with antibacterial properties

In this paper, we report the development and viscoelastic properties of hyaluronic acid formulations (HA5, HA30, and HA60, containing 0.5, 3, and 6% HA, respectively) loaded with carvacrol prodrugs (WSCPS) with antibacterial properties. Notably, antimicrobial studies revealed that WSCP1-2 in both HA5 and HA30 formulations showed the best minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Enterococcus faecium (128 mg/L) and Enterococcus faecalis (256 mg/L) compared to those of carvacrol alone or in formulations with HA. Moreover, rheological analyses showed that HA30 composites exhibited a semi-solid consistency, while HA5 formulations possessed a fluid consistency. Considering these data, HA30 is a useful formulation which guarantees a good percentage of prodrug release (e.g., 30 and 60% for WSCP1 and 2, respectively) as well as a texture suitable for topical administration to treat wounds and/or skin infections.