Fabrication of Self-Healing Absorbable Polymer-Based Gel for Wound Dressing

Abstract

Healthcare professionals must take special care of wounds to avoid serious complications such as infections, lengthy healing periods, and even amputations. This study aimed to design and manufacture a self-healing bioabsorbable polymeric-based wound dressing with antibacterial growth and improved wound healing properties. Gel-based mixtures were successfully made up of 5wt% chitosan with properties that inhibit bacterial growth in 5–20wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and called the “pure mixture”. It was observed that the mixture of 5wt% chitosan into 10wt% PVA resulted in the most controlled viscosity and appropriate gel texture for wound healing. The measured viscosities of 5wt% chitosan and 10wt% PVA were 235 and 531 Pa·s, respectively. A microscopic examination confirmed that the addition of chitosan into PVA successfully inhibited bacterial growth. Another gel-based mixture, named the “additive mixture”, was also investigated using the optimized preparation condition of 5wt% chitosan in 10wt% PVA with the incorporation of some traditional herbs in powder form, namely frankincense, myrrh, and alum stone. Microscopic examination proved that the addition of traditional herbs into the chitosan/PVA mixture inhibited some bacterial growth. A comparison of the wound healing performance of the pure mixture gel and additive mixture gel was conducted using rats. The pure mixture gel produced a faster healing rate and a lower level of inflammation than the additive mixture gel.