Wound healing potential of sodium alginate-based topical gels loaded with a combination of essential oils, iron oxide nanoparticles and tranexamic acid

Abstract

Wound management is a key feature in saving people’s lives, and regardless of the wound size, using appropriate wound dressing is crucial. Alginate-based topical gels loaded with 2 mL essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary oil) in combination with 30 mg magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and 70 mg tranexamic acid were prepared. Carbopol was used as a gelling agent and as a surfactant to disperse the EO. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the successful formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the absence of a chemical interaction between the iron nanoparticles, tranexamic acid, essential oils and the gel matrix. The gel formulations displayed pH, spreadability and viscosity in the range of 6.8–7.2, 5.4–10.1 cm and viscosity (3444–1260 cp) after 120 s, respectively. The in vitro wound healing studies of the wound dressings revealed a wound closure of 99% on day 3. Their antibacterial and blood clotting potential was significant compared to the control. The wound healing capability of these formulations makes them potential wound dressings for treating bleeding and infected wounds.