Composite Biopolymer-Based Wafer Dressings Loaded with Microbial Biosurfactants for Potential Application in Chronic Wounds.

Olufunke Akiyode,Joshua Boateng

doi:10.3390/polym10080918

Olufunke Akiyode, Joshua Boateng

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10080918

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Journal: Polymers	Publication Date: Aug 15, 2018
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Greenwich

Abstract

In this study two bioactive polysaccharide polymers kappa-carrageenan (CARR) and sodium alginate (SA) incorporated with microbial biosurfactants (BSs) were formulated as medicated wafer dressings for potential application in chronic wounds. Wafers were loaded with BSs at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% rhamnolipids (RL) and 0.1% and 5% sophorolipids (SL) and were functionally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), texture analysis (mechanical strength and in vitro wound adhesion), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and exudate handling properties (pore analysis, swelling index, water absorption (Aw), equilibrium water content (EWC), evaporative water loss (EWL) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The wafers were tactile and ductile in appearance with a hardness range of 2.7–4.1 N and can withstand normal stresses but are also flexible to prevent damage to newly formed skin tissues. Wafers were porous (SEM) with pore sizes ranging from 78.8 to 141 µm, and BSs were not visible on the wafer surface or pore walls. The BSs enhanced the porosity of the wafers with values above 98%, while the Aw and EWC ranged from 2699–3569% and 96.58–98.00%, respectively. The EWL ranged from 85 to 86% after 24 h while the WVTR ranged from 2702–3080 g/m2 day−1. The compatibility of BSs within the CARR-SA matrix was confirmed by seven characteristic functional groups which were consistently transmitted in the ATR-FTIR spectra. These novel medicated dressing prototypes can potentially help to achieve more rapid wound healing.

Highlights

A wound could be described as a break in the continuity of the epithelial membrane of the skin or mucosa and may be attributed to physical or thermal damage or other factors such as disease, for example, diabetes [1]
BLK wafers prepared from 1.5% (w/w) CARR:sodium alginate (SA) (1:3) gels from the preliminary studies showed desired characteristics required in wafers on the basis of an ideal balance between hardness (4–6 N), target porosity ≥65% [37] which corresponded to maximum water uptake and water holding capacities
Both CARR and SA are readily soluble in water as was the case in our study, which is a major advantage over use of chitosan

Summary

Introduction

A wound could be described as a break in the continuity of the epithelial membrane of the skin or mucosa and may be attributed to physical or thermal damage or other factors such as disease, for example, diabetes [1]. Wounds can be classified as either acute or chronic, with the latter being characterized by failure to heal within 12 weeks as a result of continuous or extended inflammatory phase [1]. Chronic wounds arise because of repeated tissue trauma or underlying physiological conditions [4] including diabetes and cancers, uncontrolled infections, and poor clinical therapy combined with patient related factors such as lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Chronic wounds include diabetic foot ulcers, decubitis ulcers (bedsores or pressure sores) and leg ulcers (venous, ischemic or of traumatic origin) [5]. Various foreign objects could be embedded within the resulting wound and this can result in chronic inflammatory responses

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