Preparation and Characterization of Wound Healing Composites of Chitosan, Aloe Vera and Calendula officinalis – A Comparative Study

Several natural polymers have application in terms of therapeutic treatment of ailments. Chitosan, Aloe Vera and Calendula officinalis have proven wound healing properties individually. It was theorized that a combination of the biopolymer and the plant extract will show an improvement in wound healing properties. Thus, composite films of Aloe Vera extract in Chitosan and C. officinalis petal extract in Chitosan were prepared and evaluated to ascertain the applicability for wound healing. The chemical composition and mechanical, morphological, and surface characteristics including the antibacterial activity were also evaluated. The optimum conditions for obtaining a maximum percentage of composition were standardized. Their mechanical properties, water absorption characteristics and compatibility were analyzed by tensile tester, FTIR and SEM analyses. The composite films containing aloe vera had higher water absorption capacity and antimicrobial activity as compared to those containing C. officinalis petal extract. The films containing C. officinalis petal extract showed higher tensile strength as compared to those containing Aloe Vera. With the above results, it was concluded that a composite of 25% Aloe Vera in Chitosan can be used as a wound dressing amongst all the combinations.

Author(s): Jitin P. Menda, Tarana Reddy, Deepika.R, Pandima Devi M and Sastry T.P

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