Abstract
This piece of research explores porous nanocomposite polyurethane (PU) foam synthesis, containing nanolignin (NL), coated with natural antimicrobial propolis for wound dressing. PU foam was synthesized using polyethylene glycol, glycerol, NL, and 1, 6-diisocyanato-hexane (NCO/OH ratio: 1.2) and water as blowing agent. The resultant foam was immersed in ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP). PU, NL-PU, and PU-NL/EEP foams were characterized from mechanical, morphological, and chemical perspectives. NL Incorporation into PU increased mechanical strength, while EEP coating showed lower strength than PU-NL/EEP. Morphological investigations confirmed an open-celled structure with a pore diameter of 150–200 μm, a density of nearly 0.2 g/cm3,, and porosity greater than 85%, which led to significantly high water absorption (267% for PU-NL/EEP). The hydrophilic nature of foams, measured by the contact angle, proved to be increased by NL addition and EEP coating. PU and PU-NL did not show important antibacterial features, while EEP coating resulted in a significant antibacterial efficiency. All foams revealed high biocompatibility toward L929 fibroblasts, with the highest cell viability and cell attachment for PU-NL/EEP. In vivo wound healing using Wistar rats’ full-thickness skin wound model confirmed that PU-NL/EEP exhibited an essentially higher wound healing efficacy compared with other foams. Hence, PU-NL/EEP foam could be a promising wound dressing candidate.
Highlights
Various wound dressings have been applied for decades, as a practical way to protect the wound site on the skin from the exterior impact and provide conditions for absorbing excessive exudates [1,2]
The open-cell structure of the foams was confirmed by SEM, an appropriate propThe open-cell structure of the foams was confirmed by SEM, an appropriate property for erty for wound dressing
Both NL and propolis coating led to an increase in mechanical strength strength and hydrophilicity, compared with pure PU
Summary
Various wound dressings have been applied for decades, as a practical way to protect the wound site on the skin from the exterior impact and provide conditions for absorbing excessive exudates [1,2]. Among different types of natural and synthetic polymers that have been used for wound dressing fabrication, polyurethane (PU) has been widely applied as a cheap raw material for dressings [3,4]. PU foam is extensively used as wound dressings in the market due to its good biocompatibility, suitable flexibility, softness, low cytotoxicity, and acceptable mechanical property even after fully water immersing and more economical in comparison with other natural polymer dressing materials [9,10]. The open-pore structure [11] in porous polyurethane foam dressings gives excellent cellular ingrowth in interconnected pores, water absorption capability, and a high moisture vapor transmission rate, which makes them suitable for a moderate to high volume of exudate absorption and to create a moist environment around the wound, which would accelerate wound healing in dermal wounds and prevent the wound infection depending on the PU foam properties such as thickness, texture, and pore size [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
