Desenvolvimento de filmes bifuncionais de alginato contendo óleo de rosa mosqueta e óleos essenciais para aplicação em feridas

Abstract

The search for natural alternatives and less invasive treatments is increasingly on the rise, permeating not only the field of well-being but also medicine and dermatological care. This trend is driven by the growing concern with lifestyle and dissatisfaction with the side effects, high costs, and unsatisfactory results associated with traditional methods. Wounds, whether acute or chronic, caused by trauma, burns, or medical conditions, deeply impact patients' quality of life, affecting even basic daily activities and contributing to emotional instability. Injuries are often accompanied by discomfort, itching, odor, and secretions, further emphasizing the need for more effective and gentle therapeutic approaches. The wound healing process can be affected by a variety of factors, including underlying medical conditions, the patient’s lifestyle, and the presence of microorganisms, increasing the risk of infections and interfering with healing, especially antibiotic-resistant strains, with Staphylococcus aureus being one of the most relevant bacteria in this context. In response to this complexity, there is a growing exploration of biodegradable and biocompatible raw materials for wound treatment. This approach aims not only to promote effective healing but also to reduce the risk of infection- related complications and improve therapeutic outcomes. Among these, essential oils stand out, known for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, rosehip oil, recognized for its regenerative ability and widely used in the cosmetic industry, and sodium alginate, a natural polysaccharide derived from algae, non-toxic, and highly absorbent. In order to create advanced wound dressings, biodegradable films were developed in aqueous solution, containing sodium alginate, glycerin, tween 20, rosehip oil, and a combination of lavender, palmarosa, mint, and cinnamon essential oils. The materials were characterized by their mechanical and optical properties, solubility, water vapor permeability, and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus biofilm. This evaluation was performed at seven distinct times: 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 270 days of storage. The formulated films showed great potential as wound dressings. In addition to being aligned with the growing demand for natural and sustainable solutions, they exhibited multiple benefits, such as bactericidal activity, protection against ultraviolet rays, and ideal mechanical properties, including elasticity and water vapor permeability. Furthermore, they are water-soluble, a characteristic that would facilitate dressing changes without causing additional damage to the injured skin, they do not generate disposable waste for the environment, and they demonstrated a long shelf life.