Polyethylene oxide biofilms incorporated into Plantago major extract as dressings for dermal lesion

Abstract

Introduction: polyethylene oxide is a polymeric material with extensive biomedical applications, making it a great candidate in the production of wound dressings due to its hydrophilic and non-occlusive characteristic. Plantago major is a plant used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its healing and antioxidant activity. Objective: the development of a polyethylene oxide biofilms incorporating Plantago major extract, which aims to combine the healing and antioxidant properties of this plant with the physical and mechanical characteristics of the polymer, so that it can be used as wound dressings. Methodology: the crude extract of Plantago major was obtained by maceration with methanol; phytochemical screening was then performed to identify secondary metabolites. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated in films containing only the polymer matrix and in films containing the extract. The films produced by the casting method were also evaluated for their morphology, water vapor transmission, swelling index, rate of degradation, and solubility. Results: the presence of tannins, steroids, and terpenes was identified in the extract. The developed films showed high solubility, water vapor transmission, and rate of degradation. The films containing Plantago major extract obtained a significant antioxidant activity. Conclusion: the films presented adequate characteristics to be used as wound dressings and, their high solubility, leads to the formation of a hydrogel when exposed to excess moisture, which allows it to be used for a range of lesions. Additionally, the incorporation of the extract provided antioxidant activity to the films, increasing their healing potential.