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Papain immobilized on alginate membrane for wound dressing application
Raimundo Nonato Fernandes Moreira Filho1, Niédja Fittipaldi Vasconcelos2, Fabia Karine Andrade3
1Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus of Pici, 60455-760, Fortaleza, Brazil.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|July 2, 2020
Summary
This study developed a natural polymer wound dressing using alginate and papain. The immobilized papain enzyme effectively debrides necrotic tissue, promoting enhanced wound healing with controlled release and maintained activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Natural polymer wound dressings offer superior biocompatibility and biodegradability compared to synthetic alternatives.
- Alginate, derived from brown algae, is a well-established biomaterial for wound care due to its favorable biological properties.
- Incorporating papain, a proteolytic enzyme, enhances therapeutic potential by facilitating debridement of necrotic tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize an alginate-based wound dressing incorporating papain for improved wound healing.
- To optimize the immobilization conditions for papain onto an alginate matrix.
- To evaluate the stability, controlled release, and biological activity of the papain-alginate wound dressing.
Main Methods:
- Papain immobilization onto an alginate support under varying conditions (concentration, temperature, pH).
- Quantification of immobilized papain using Bradford assay and assessment of enzyme activity stability over 28 days.
- Determination of enzyme release profile using Franz cell diffusion studies and in vitro cytotoxicity assays with fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- Optimal papain immobilization achieved in a neutral pH at 20 mg/mL concentration and 25°C.
- Immobilized papain retained 80% of its initial activity, with the alginate matrix significantly protecting it from deactivation.
- Controlled release of 64.1% papain observed within 24 hours, and in vitro assays confirmed the material's bioactivity and proteolytic properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed alginate-papain wound dressing demonstrates effective immobilization, enhanced enzyme stability, and controlled release properties.
- The material exhibits bioactivity and proteolytic potential, indicating its promise for promoting wound healing through effective debridement.
- This natural polymer-based dressing represents a significant advancement in wound care therapeutics.
