Abstract

Natural polymer-based hydrogel films possess considerable potential for use in biomedical applications and are excellent for wound healing. The purpose of this research was to use ionic crosslinking to improve the mechanical characteristics, absorption of fluid in the wound, and drug release behavior of Cassia alata L. (CA) extract loaded niosomes (CANs) that were incorporated in an alginate-pectin film (A/P). Then, chemically crosslinked A/P hydrogels were obtained by immersing them in different concentrations of calcium chloride (CaCl2) (0.5-1% w/v) for 15-120 s. The degree of crosslinking was controlled by both contact time and CaCl2 concentration. The optimal crosslinking conditions were 1% CaCl2 for 15 seconds. In this study, the following features of the hydrogel films were investigated: physical properties, morphological characteristics, drug loading, in vitro drug release, antibacterial activity, wound healing activity, cytocompatibility profiles, and hemocompatibility. The crosslinked hydrogel films maintained their physical integrity during use, with the 1% film attaining the best results in the shortest period (15 sec). Then, in vitro drug release from the films was examined. Crosslinking was observed to prolong the release of the CA extract from the hydrogel film. Finally, a cell viability experiment was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity profile. The A/P composite film exhibited excellent wound dressing qualities and good mechanical properties in preformulation testing. The in vitro drug release profile indicated that the A/P created a regulated drug release profile, and the cell viability experiment revealed that the film was nontoxic and hemocompatible. A/P composite films can be produced using CAN extract as a possible wound dressing. However, further studies in animals and humans are required to determine both safety and effectiveness.