Metal ions doping effect on the physicochemical, antimicrobial, and wound healing profiles of alginate-based...

The alginate (Alg) matrix with immobilized hydroxyapatite (HAp) and zinc oxide (ZnO), cross-linked by chitosan (CS) and metal ions (Meⁿ⁺) Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ was created as a wound dressing. The effect of Meⁿ⁺ and their concentrations on water vapor transition, fluid handling, dehydration, drug release, and healing are shown. Me-containing samples have a lower sorption capacity, than a commercial Kaltostat, however, a much lower degree of their dehydration provides a longer wound wet. The Meⁿ⁺ presence lowers the environmental pH to slightly acidic values promoting healing. Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ in complexes with CS increase antimicrobial effect against E. coli and S. aureus, slow down the Anaesthesine release, making it compatible with Fickian diffusion in the Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ presence, and non-Fickian transport under Ca²⁺ influence. The material promotes the proliferation of the fibroblasts, an increase of collagen fibres, and new arterial and venous capillaries, indicating the intensity of the healing process.