Alginate/poly (vinyl alcohol)-based microgels loaded with Agaricus blazei Murill extract as potential wound dressings

Abstract

The development of new biomaterials based on natural products for wound treatment is a frequent research topic in recent years. In this study, the hydroalcoholic extract from Agaricus blazei Murill (EAb) was incorporated in microgels based on poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA). Microgels were characterized according to their physicochemical and morphological properties. An in vivo wound healing assay was performed and histomorphometric parameters and oxidative stress were studied. The physicochemical characterizations showed the occurrence of intermolecular interactions between both polymers and this natural product, suggesting a potential physical crosslinking. The microgels presented sol-gel transition (G’ > G’’) at low frequencies, porosity degree around 40% and significant ability to scavenge the DPPH radical. Morphological characterization evidenced pores on the micrometric scale, where EAb granules (0.3-0.6µm) are trapped. On the 14th day, mice treated with EAb-loaded microgels presented wound contraction > 99%, as well as greater epidermis and dermis thickness, higher density of type I collagen and significant reduction in oxidative stress. Our results showed that EAb-loaded microgels, especially the M0.5 formulation, are a promising multifunctional biomaterial for wound dressing applications.