Search Results (9)

Background/Objectives: Wound healing requires simultaneous pain control, inflammation management, infection prevention, and tissue regeneration. This study aimed to develop and evaluate in vitro a non-contact thermosensitive spray hydrogel combining lidocaine for rapid analgesia and allantoin for tissue repair. Methods: The effects of chitosan and Poloxamer 407 on viscosity, spray diameter, and bioadhesion ability of hydrogels were optimized using response surface methodology. Lead formulations (S1 and S2) were selected via a desirability function within the software. The pH, gelation temperature (T_G), rheological behavior, sprayability, bioadhesion, and lidocaine release using the dialysis bag method were assessed. The in vitro cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity (TNF-α), and cell migration (scratch assay) of the formulations were investigated. Results: The viscosity values (42.7–58.7 mPa·s) indicated suitability for spraying at room temperature. T_G was 28.7 ± 0.6 °C (S1) and 29.3 ± 0.3 °C (S2), enabling rapid sol–gel transition at skin temperature. The lidocaine release reached 95–100% within 120 min. S2 exhibited lower viscosity and wider spray diameter, improving applicability on larger wound areas. In vitro cytotoxicity, scratch assay, and inflammatory marker analyses demonstrated that the optimized sprayable hydrogels exhibited a biocompatible and cell-healing profile. Conclusions: The developed thermosensitive spray hydrogel enables the combined delivery of lidocaine and allantoin, rapid gelation at body temperature, and touch-free administration. Its suitable viscosity and sprayability, and fast lidocaine release profile indicate high patient compliance and a significant advantage over conventional cream/ointment formulations, particularly regarding painless application, reduced contamination risk, enhanced therapeutic potential, and confirmed in vitro biocompatibility with supportive effects on keratinocyte behavior. Full article

This study proposes synthesis and evaluation of gelatin-/alginate-based hydrogel scaffolds reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles which, through their combination with allantoin, quercetin, and caffeic acid, provide multi-target therapy directed on all phases of the wound healing process. These scaffolds provide the simultaneous release of bioactive agents and concurrently support cell/tissue repair through the replicated structure of a native extracellular matrix. The hydrogel scaffolds were synthesized via a crosslinking reaction using EDC as a crosslinker for gelatin. Synthesized hydrogel scaffolds and the effect of TiO₂ on their properties were characterized by structural, mechanical, morphological, and swelling properties, and the porosity, wettability, adhesion to skin tissue, and simultaneous release features. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was tested in vitro on fibroblasts (MRC5 cells) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans) in a survival probe. The scaffolds revealed porous interconnected morphology, porosity of 88.33 to 96.76%, elastic modulus of 1.53 to 4.29 MPa, full hydrophilicity, favorable skin adhesivity, and biocompatibility. The simultaneous release was investigated in vitro indicating dependence on the scaffold’s composition and type of bioactive agents. The novel scaffolds designed as multi-target therapy have significant promise for improved wound healing in a beneficial and non-invasive manner. Full article

Allantoin possesses numerous beneficial properties for the skin, like anti-irritant effects, wound healing, skin hydration, and epithelization. In this paper, we investigated a suitable preparation method for an allantoin hydrogel using the Semi-Solid Control Diagram (SSCD) method and characterized its rheological and consistency behavior. To accomplish this, xanthan gum (XG) was selected as a model gelling agent. Briefly, four hydrogels were prepared, two without allantoin (coded M01 and M02) and two with allantoin (M1 and M2). Similarly, the formulations were either prepared through magnetic stirring (M01 and M1) or homogenization in a mortar (M02 and M2). The prepared hydrogels were evaluated using the SSCD for specific parameters and indexes. The Good Quality Index (GQI) shows a higher value for the formulation, M1 = 6.27, compared to M2 = 5.45. This result is also underlined by the value of M01 = 6.45, which is higher than M02 = 6.38. Considering the consistency, the formulation M01 possessed the highest spreadability, followed by M02 and then the allantoin hydrogels M1 and M2. The rheological behavior had a thixotropic pseudoplastic flow for all the formulations. The use of SSCD pictographs outlined the rheological properties that need improvement, the method that is suitable to prepare the allantoin hydrogels, and the influence of the allantoin suspended in the XG hydrogel. Full article

This work describes a liquid allantoin-enriched pectin hydrogel with hydrophilic behavior that is supported by the presence of functional groups related to healing efficacy. A topical study shows the effect of the hydrogel application on surgically induced skin wound healing in a rat model. Contact angle measurements confirm hydrophilic behavior (11.37°), while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicates the presence of functional groups related to the healing effectiveness (carboxylic acid and amine groups). Allantoin is distributed on the surface and inside the amorphous pectin hydrogel surrounded by a heterogeneous distribution of pores. This promotes wound drying with better interaction between the hydrogel and cells involved in the wound healing process. An experimental study with female Wistar rats indicates that the hydrogel improves wound contraction, reducing around 71.43% of the total healing time and reaching total wound closure in 15 days. Full article

Wound management represents a continuous challenge for health systems worldwide, considering the growing incidence of wound-related comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. In this context, hydrogels are considered viable options since they mimic the skin structure and promote autolysis and growth factor synthesis. Unfortunately, hydrogels are associated with several drawbacks, such as low mechanical strength and the potential toxicity of byproducts released after crosslinking reactions. To overcome these aspects, in this study new smart chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels were developed, using oxidized chitosan (oxCS) and hyaluronic acid (oxHA) as nontoxic crosslinkers. Three active product ingredients (APIs) (fusidic acid, allantoin, and coenzyme Q10), with proven biological effects, were considered for inclusion in the 3D polymer matrix. Therefore, six API-CS-oxCS/oxHA hydrogels were obtained. The presence of dynamic imino bonds in the hydrogels’ structure, which supports their self-healing and self-adapting properties, was confirmed by spectral methods. The hydrogels were characterized by SEM, swelling degree, pH, and the internal organization of the 3D matrix was studied by rheological behavior. Moreover, the cytotoxicity degree and the antimicrobial effects were also investigated. In conclusion, the developed API-CS-oxCS/oxHA hydrogels have real potential as smart materials in wound management, based on their self-healing and self-adapting properties, as well as on the benefits of APIs. Full article

The present research focuses on the physicochemical and pharmacotechnical properties of new hydrogels obtained using allantoin, xanthan gum, salicylic acid and different concentrations of Aloe vera (5, 10, 20% w/v in solution; 38, 56, 71 wt% in dry gels). The thermal behavior of Aloe vera composite hydrogels was studied using DSC and TG/DTG analyses. The chemical structure was investigated using different characterization methods (XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies) and the morphology of the hydrogels was studied SEM and AFM microscopy. Pharmacotechnical evaluation on tensile strength and elongation, moisture content, swelling and spreadability was also completed. Physical evaluation confirmed that the appearance of the prepared Aloe vera based hydrogels was homogeneous and the color varied from pale beige to deep opaque beige with increasing Aloe vera concentration. All other evaluation parameters, e.g., pH, viscosity, spreadability and consistency were found to be adequate in all hydrogel formulations. SEM and AFM images show that the structure of the hydrogels condensed into homogeneous polymeric solids with the addition of Aloe vera, in accordance with the decrease in peak intensities observed via XRD analysis. These results suggest interactions between the hydrogel matrix and Aloe vera as observed via FTIR and TG/DTG and DSC analyses. Considering that Aloe vera content higher than 10% (w/v) did not stimulate further interactions, this formulation (FA-10) can be used for further biomedical applications. Full article

The present research aims to describe a new methodology to obtain biocompatible hydrogels based on Aloe vera used for wound healing applications. The properties of two hydrogels (differing in Aloe vera concentration, AV5 and AV10) prepared by an all-green synthesis method from raw, natural, renewable and bioavailable materials such as salicylic acid, allantoin and xanthan gum were investigated. The morphology of the Aloe vera based hydrogel biomaterials was studied by SEM analysis. The rheological properties of the hydrogels, as well as their cell viability, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, were determined. The antibacterial activity of Aloe vera based hydrogels was evaluated both on Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus and on Gram-negative, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The obtained novel green Aloe vera based hydrogels showed good antibacterial properties. In vitro scratch assay demonstrated the capacity of both AV5 and AV10 hydrogels to accelerate cell proliferation and migration and induce closure of a wounded area. A corroboration of all morphological, rheological, cytocompatibility and cell viability results indicates that this Aloe vera based hydrogel may be suitable for wound healing applications. Full article

Chitosan/PVA hydrogel films crosslinked by the freeze–thaw method and containing honey and allantoin were prepared for application as wound dressing materials. The effects of the freeze–thaw process and the addition of honey and allantoin on the swelling, the gel content and the mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated. The physicochemical properties of the samples, with and without the freeze–thaw process, were compared using FTIR, DSC and XRD. The results showed that the freeze–thaw process can increase the crystallinity and thermal stability of chitosan/PVA films. The freeze–thaw process increased the gel content but did not have a significant effect on the tensile strength. The presence of honey reduced the swelling and the tensile strength of the hydrogels due to hydrogen bonding interactions with PVA and chitosan chains. Long-term cell culture experiments using normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells showed that the hydrogels maintained their biocompatibility, and the cells showed extended morphology on the surface of the hydrogels for more than 30 days. The presence of honey significantly increased the biocompatibility of the hydrogels. The release of allantoin from the hydrogel was studied and, according to the Korsmeyer–Peppas and Weibull models, the mechanism was mainly diffusional. The results for the antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria showed that the allantoin-containing samples had a more remarkable antibacterial activity against S. aureus. According to the wound healing experiments, 98% of the wound area treated by the chitosan/PVA/honey hydrogel was closed, compared to 89% for the control. The results of this study suggest that the freeze–thaw process is a non-toxic crosslinking method for the preparation of chitosan/PVA hydrogels with long term biocompatibility that can be applied for wound healing and skin tissue engineering. Full article

This research proposes the rational modeling, synthesis and evaluation of film dressing hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol crosslinked with 20 different kinds of dicarboxylic acids. These formulations would allow the sustained release of simultaneous bioactive compounds including allantoin, resveratrol, dexpanthenol and caffeic acid as a multi-target therapy in wound healing. Interaction energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulation studies allowed evaluating the intermolecular affinity of the above bioactive compounds by hydrogels crosslinked with the different dicarboxylic acids. According to the computational results, the hydrogels crosslinked with succinic, aspartic, maleic and malic acids were selected as the best candidates to be synthesized and evaluated experimentally. These four crosslinked hydrogels were prepared and characterized by FTIR, mechanical properties, SEM and equilibrium swelling ratio. The sustained release of the bioactive compounds from the film dressing was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro results indicate a good release profile for all four analyzed bioactive compounds. More importantly, in vivo experiments suggest that prepared formulations could considerably accelerate the healing rate of artificial wounds in rats. The histological studies show that these formulations help to successfully reconstruct and thicken epidermis during 14 days of wound healing. Moreover, the four film dressings developed and exhibited excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, the novel film dressings based on hydrogels rationally designed with combinatorial and sustained release therapy could have significant promise as dressing materials for skin wound healing. Full article