On the characterization of sodium alginate/gelatine-based hydrogels for wound dressing

Abstract

In this study, sodium alginate/gelatine (SA/G) hydrogels were prepared to obtain wound dressing with good, moist, healing, and biocompatibility properties. The physicochemical properties of hydrogels were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and a swelling test. Dynamic viscoelastic properties including the storage, loss moduli, G' and Ga", and loss angle, tan delta of both freshly prepared and swelled gels were examined in oscillatory experiments. Its results revealed that tested SA/G hydrogels exhibit highly elastic behavior similar to the viscoelastic response of human skin. Based on the performed analysis, it could be suggested that the SA/G hydrogel is a potential wound dressing material providing and maintaining the adequate moist environment required to prevent scab formation and the dehydration of the wound bed.