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Multifunctional Ginger Nanofiber Hydrogels with Tunable Absorption: The Potential for Advanced Wound Dressing
Paula Squinca1,2,3, Linn Berglund1, Kristina Hanna4
1Division of Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden.
Biomacromolecules
|July 13, 2021
Summary
Ginger residue is a promising source for advanced wound dressings. Nanofiber hydrogels derived from ginger show excellent absorption, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial properties for wound healing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Textile Chemistry
Background:
- Ginger residue, a byproduct of juice production, is often underutilized.
- Advanced wound dressings require materials with high absorption, mechanical integrity, and bioactivity.
- Nanofiber hydrogels offer unique properties suitable for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore ginger residue as a sustainable source for multifunctional nanofiber hydrogels.
- To investigate the impact of alkali treatment on hydrogel properties.
- To develop advanced wound dressings with enhanced absorption, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial activity.
Main Methods:
- Ginger fibers were treated with alkali and TEMPO-mediated oxidation.
- Nanofiber hydrogels were prepared via vacuum filtration without chemical cross-linkers.
- Hydrogel properties (absorption, mechanical strength) were evaluated with and without alkali treatment.
- Cytocompatibility and antimicrobial activity were assessed.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels without alkali treatment exhibited 6200% absorption, 2.1 MPa tensile strength, 15.3 MPa elastic modulus, and 25.1% elongation at break.
- Absorption capacity was tunable by varying alkali concentration and hydrogel grammage.
- Hydrogels demonstrated good cytocompatibility with human fibroblasts.
- Functionalization with ginger essential oil imparted antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- Ginger residue can be effectively converted into multifunctional nanofiber hydrogels.
- These hydrogels possess tunable absorption and excellent mechanical properties for wound dressing applications.
- The incorporation of ginger essential oil provides antimicrobial benefits, enhancing their potential for advanced wound care.
