Abstract
This work focused on obtaining and characterizing hydrogels with their potential application as dressing materials for chronic wounds. The research included synthesizing chitosan-based hydrogels modified with Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) extract via photopolymerization, and their characteristics determined with regard to the impact of both the modifier and the amount of crosslinker on their properties. The investigations included determining their sorption properties and tensile strength, evaluating their behavior in simulated physiological liquids, and characterizing their wettability and surface morphology. The release profile of horsetail extract from polymer matrices in acidic and alkaline environments was also verified. It was proved that hydrogels showed swelling ability while the modified hydrogels swelled slightly more. Hydrogels showed hydrophilic nature (all contact angles were <77°). Materials containing horsetail extract exhibited bigger elasticity than unmodified polymers (even by 30%). It was proved that the extract release was twice as effective in an acidic medium. Due to the possibility of preparation of hydrogels with specific mechanical properties (depending on both the modifier and the amount of crosslinker used), wound exudate sorption ability, and possibility of the release of active substance, hydrogels show a great application potential as dressing materials.
Highlights
In recent years, hydrogel dressings used in the treatment of chronic wounds [1], burns [2], and other skin injuries such as bedsores [3] or serious skin abrasions [4] have been of great interest
Despite many investigations confirming the pro-healthy activity of Equisetum arvense L. extract, no literature reports showing its application as a modifier of hydrogel dressings designed for chronic wound treatment were observed
In this work, a synthesis methodology of hydrogel dressings based on chitosan and modified with Equisetum arvense L. extract is presented
Summary
Hydrogel dressings used in the treatment of chronic wounds [1], burns [2], and other skin injuries such as bedsores [3] or serious skin abrasions [4] have been of great interest. Despite many investigations confirming the pro-healthy activity of Equisetum arvense L. extract, no literature reports showing its application as a modifier of hydrogel dressings designed for chronic wound treatment were observed. Due to the unique properties of this extract, such as anti-inflammatory [30] or antibacterial activity [31], in addition to the fact that it may soothe pain and accelerate regenerative processes [32], this substance seems to be a promising modifier of such dressing materials. In this work, a synthesis methodology of hydrogel dressings based on chitosan and modified with Equisetum arvense L. extract is presented. Final experiments were aimed at determining the release profile of the active substance (plant extract) from developed hydrogels, while most attention was directed towards verifying in which environment (acidic or alkaline) this process was more effective
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