Abstract
The prevalence of chronic wounds is increasing due to the population aging and associated pathologies, such as diabetes. These ulcers have an important socio-economic impact. Thus, it is necessary to design new products for their treatment with an adequate cost/effectiveness ratio. Among these products are amorphous hydrogels. Their composition can be manipulated to provide a favorable environment for ulcer healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel multifunctional amorphous hydrogel (EHO-85), containing Olea europaea leaf extract, designed to enhance the wound healing process. For this purpose, its moistening ability, antioxidant capacity, effect on pH in the wound bed of experimental rats, and the effect on wound healing in a murine model of impaired wound healing were assessed. EHO-85 proved to be a remarkable moisturizer and its application in a rat skin wound model showed a significant antioxidant effect, decreasing lipid peroxidation in the wound bed. EHO-85 also decreased the pH of the ulcer bed from day 1. In addition, in mice (BKS. Cg-m +/+ Leprdb) EHO-85 treatment showed superior wound healing rates compared to hydrocolloid dressing. In conclusion, EHO-85 can speed up the closure of hard-to-heal wounds due to its multifunctional properties that are able to modulate the wound microenvironment, mainly through its remarkable effect on reactive oxygen species, pH, and moistening regulation.
Highlights
Skin wounds constitute a major expense for public health systems
Moistening Capacity of the EHO-85 Hydrogel Compared to Other Amorphous Hydrogels
The results obtained in the fluid donation test are presented in Table 2, in which the gels are classified according to the BS EN 13726-1 norm standards (Table 1)
Summary
Skin wounds constitute a major expense for public health systems. Their high rates of chronification, recurrence, and morbidity are associated with a significant burden on health-related quality of life, resulting in higher economic costs, both personal and social and a challenge for public health systems worldwide [1,2,3,4]. Wound management is a significant and growing issue worldwide, so the design of new products capable of favoring the healing process and shortening its duration is of great importance [5]. Wound healing is a complex process characterized by a series of four stages that do not always occur sequentially but rather overlap: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling [6]. A wide variety of growth factors, cytokines, and hormones, in combination with the preservation of adequate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), pH, and moisture in the wound bed, are involved in this biological process [7]
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