Abstract
The current study aimed to develop carbomer based hydrogel dressings, incorporating ethanolic extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts, Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis flowers. The pharmaceutical properties of the obtained hydrogels, as well as their texture and antimicrobial activity, were further evaluated. Five wound dressing formulations based on carbopol were prepared. The addition of the ethanolic extracts to the formulation slightly lowered the pH of the hydrogels, as expected. The Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts extract loaded hydrogel proved to be the firmest one. In terms of consistency and viscosity, the behavior of the five hydrogels was relatively similar. Based on the texture analysis, the texture of the hydrogels has been affected to some extent by the addition of the ethanolic extracts, decreasing their consistency, firmness, and adhesiveness. The hydrogel loaded with Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts extract and the one incorporating the blend of extracts (mixture of the three above-mentioned extracts) proved to have a good antimicrobial activity. The studied hydrogel formulations could serve as a basis for the development of novel wound dressing materials, although more extended in vivo studies would be needed in order to support current results.
Highlights
Hydrogels are obtained from natural polymers, such as cellulose, alginate, chitosan, gelatin, dextran, or from synthetic ones, like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or polyethylene glycol (PEG)
The present study aimed to develop stable wound dressings, using carbomer as a gel forming agent, as well as to investigate the possibility of incorporating high potent ethanolic herbal extracts into the polymeric matrix, while at the same time maintaining the pharmaceutical qualities of the product
The proposed formulation implies the use of a different gel forming agent than the ones described in previous studies
Summary
The water retaining properties of the hydrogel dressings are induced by the presence of hydrophilic groups in the polymer chains, with the higher water content assuring a porous, soft, and elastic structure, enhancing the compatibility with biological tissues [2]. Hydrogels are obtained from natural polymers, such as cellulose, alginate, chitosan, gelatin, dextran, or from synthetic ones, like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Their physicochemical properties—which influence the clinical behavior of the dressing—depend on the chemical nature of the monomer (natural or synthetic), on the structure of the polymer chain (the resistance of the covalent bonds and intermolecular forces), and molecular weight, and on the synthesis method of the polymer [3,4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
