In this research work, we aim to formulate physically crosslinked topical hydrogels of tranexamic acid, this tranexamic acid is a known anti-fibrinolytic agent since 1960 among clinicians but suffers from many pharmacokinetic issues. Out of the various available methods for making hydrogels we have chosen the process of physical crosslinking because of the advantages it offers such as no toxicity because physical crosslinking does not involve the usage of any chemical cross-linkers, and the process is economical. We have attempted to design this system with the concept of synergizing the individual advantages which each component of the designed system has for the final application. Hydrogels are a well-known material having the ability to absorb water in their pores, tranexamic acid a known anti-fibrinolytic agent and calcium ion has a role in the hemostatic properties. The hydrogel was prepared by binding the PVA (synthetic polymer) and sodium alginate (SA) (natural polymer) together and cross-linked them using two methods of physical cross-linking i.e., freeze-thawing and ionic (Ca²⁺) interaction. The evaluation parameters revealed that the hydrogel showed good swelling and water-absorbing properties. The swelling studies also showed that the prepared hydrogel has pH-responsive behavior when immersed in various buffer solutions. The SEM studies revealed the structure of hydrogel was dense and compact when a high concentration of PVA was used (2:1). The FTIR studies proved that there was no chemical cross-linking between the polymers when we incorporate a physical cross-linking method for the synthesis of the hydrogel. To summarize, this hydrogel may be ideal for wound dressings as it readily meets the primary requirement for wound covers.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with their distinct magnetic characteristics, biocompatibility, and ability to interact with biomolecules makes them the most sought after candidates for MRI contrast. However, their systemic distribution restricts their ability for enhancing the contrast at desired sites. We have functionalised the SPION with coumarin, a known anti-cancer agent, and studied it’s in vivo behaviour using the ^99mTc radiolabelling to enhance target specificity. We have exploited coumarin as a targeting moiety as it has already demonstrated its efficacy as an anti-cancer agent. In this study, we synthesise nanoparticles of iron oxide using the co-precipitation method and functionalised their surfaces were with 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APS) and then conjugated it to coumarin for tumour specificity. TEM images showed the size ranging from 50 nm to 100 nm and some aggrgation. Coating of APS on nanoparticles and further conjuagtion to coumarin was confirmed by FTIR, NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The in-vivo evaluation was done using the ^99mTc radiolabelling and Gamma scintigraphy. An enhanced accumulation at the tumour site was observed; however, high uptake was also seen in the reticuloendothelial system. Gamma Scintigraphy showed accumulation of nanoparticles in the tumour region in the right hind leg a hepatobiliary clearence and aggregation in the liver and spleen (RES). These results thus suggest that coumarin, a suitable fluorescent probe, also improves the targeting of the SPION to the tumour site. The synthesised conjugate has the possibility of being used as a dual imaging probe.