The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries have found natural polysaccharides-based polymeric films helpful for the topical application of drugs. Plasticizers, such as glycerol, are added to achieve films' desired mechanical, elastic, and flexible properties. Aloe vera Miller mucilage is known for healing burns and wounds, relieving pain, and moisturizing, suggesting its great potential for managing multiple topical issues. Herein, we exploited the plasticizing potentialities of A. vera extract when combined with gellan or carrageenan polysaccharides to produce films. The extract of A. vera mucilage was prepared in propane-1,2-diol, and its composition was comparatively evaluated with a commercial extract using a chemometric method. Next, it was added to the films obtained using the solvent-casting method. The formulations were investigated regarding the mechanical properties, swelling, water loss, porosity, water vapor transmission rate, degree of occlusion, adhesion force, and antioxidant action. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assessed the films stability and homogeneity with an exploratory chemometric method to classify the samples. The results showed that carrageenan and gellan polysaccharides-based polymeric films have great potential for including A. vera extract. The extract acts as a plasticizer and promotes desirable properties and swelling behavior for films intending wound management. Comparatively, films prepared with glycerol beyond the extract presented higher thickness, lower swelling, and higher occlusion and antioxidant activity. Despite this, glycerol seems to negatively influence the homogeneity of the extract on the film surface. In addition, regarding polysaccharides, carrageenan showed higher bioadhesion. Therefore, the films produced exhibited favorable properties, highlighting their potential for further research regarding wound management.
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