Bioactive compounds of Copaifera sp. impregnated into three-dimensional gelatin dressings

This study investigates the immersion impregnation process of the copaiba oleoresin and leaf extract into Spongostan^TM gelatin dressings to be used in wound healing treatment. Copaiba oleoresin and leaf extract were characterized by spectroscopic analyses in order to confirm the identity of bioactive compounds and their compatibility with dressing material. Their antibacterial properties were evaluated and oleoresin activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was confirmed while the leaf extract showed activity against S. aureus. Solubility assays in organic solvents revealed that copaiba oleoresin is miscible into dichloromethane, while leaf extract showed a 20 g/ml solubility coefficient at 35 °C in the same solvent. These miscibility and solubility conditions were selected for the impregnation process. Using the organic solvent immersion method, 11 mg of copaiba oleoresin and 19 mg of leaf extract were impregnated into 1 cm³ of 3D matrix. The main bioactives from copaiba products, such as β-caryophyllene and lupeol, were tracked in the gelatin dressing. DSC and TGA assays showed no thermal changes in the samples after impregnation. Furthermore, the spatial organization of foam structure of the dressings was preserved after superficial distribution of oleoresin, as well as amorphous-like particulate deposition of leaf extract. The main compound of copaiba oleoresin, β-caryophyllene, which exhibits well-known anti-inflammatory activities, and the main compound of copaiba leaf extract, lupeol, also an anti-inflammatory agent, were successfully impregnated using organic solvent in wound dressings and are promising for further application on tissue wound healing. Graphical Abstract.