Study of the interaction between carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate, and papain for the development of films aimed at their application in smart wound dressings

• Grant number: 24/13365-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso
• Grantee: Daiany Ceccon Signorelli
• Host Institution: Embrapa Instrumentação Agropecuária. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11965-3 - Center for the sustainable management of pests, diseases and weeds, AP.CCD

Abstract

With medical advances, there is an increasing need to develop viable alternatives for the production of smart wound dressings, aiming for greater relief and faster recovery for patients. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium alginate have complementary properties: CMC increases the tensile strength of dressings, while alginate absorbs wound exudates. When combined with papain, a debriding agent that stimulates cytokine production, these substances form a promising material for effective wound healing. However, the interactions between these components and their properties need to be better understood and optimized for use in dressings. This project aims to explore these combinations in solution and in films, using characterization methods such as FTIR, circular dichroism, zeta potential, and rheology to elucidate the behavior of the components at different pH levels and enhance their properties as biomaterials. Initially, the films will be prepared by bench casting for the analysis of interactions, varying the proportions of the components, followed by continuous casting for pilot-scale production with higher productivity. Techniques such as SEM, XRD, vapor permeability, and water contact angle, among others, will be applied. Additionally, controlled release of papain will be investigated, considering its antimicrobial properties essential for healing, quantified by Franz diffusion cells at intervals after the application of the dressings. This study seeks to optimize the properties of wound dressing films in terms of mechanical strength, permeability, and controlled release, contributing to the advancement of biomaterial development.