Cellulose-based hydrogels towards an antibacterial wound dressing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrogels are excellent candidates for wound healing bandages due to their ability to mimic the skin's microenvironment.
• Naturally derived, plant-based biomaterials are increasingly used in healthcare for their biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate hydrogels with enhanced antifouling properties using cellulose from diverse Ecuadorian sources.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial activity and potential of these cellulose-based hydrogels as wound dressings.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose was extracted from Ecuadorian plant sources and used to fabricate hydrogels.
• Characterization involved Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Antimicrobial activity was assessed through in vitro and ex vivo tests against Gram-negative bacteria.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels were successfully fabricated using cellulose from Ecuadorian sources.
• Characterization confirmed the structure and properties of the cellulose and hydrogels.
• The hydrogel synthesized with pitahaya cellulose exhibited superior antibacterial activity on pigskin.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose-based hydrogels, particularly those derived from pitahaya, show significant potential for wound healing applications.
• These findings support the development of advanced, naturally derived wound dressings.