Glucomannan asymmetric membranes for wound dressing

Author(s)

Genevro, Giovana Maria ^[1] ; Gomes Neto, Reginaldo Jose ^[1] ; Beppu, Marisa Nlasumi ^[1] ; de Moraes, Mariana Agostini ^[2] ; Paulo, Leticia de Almeida ^[3] ; Lopes, Patricia Santos ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Chem Engn, Dept Mat & Bioproc Engn, BR-13083852 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Environm Chem & Pharmaceut Sci Inst, Dept Chem Engn, BR-09913030 Diadema, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Pharmaceut Sci, Environm Chem & Pharmaceut Sci Inst, BR-09913030 Diadema, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Materials Research; v. 34, n. 4, p. 481-489, FEB 28 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Asymmetric membranes present promising characteristics for wound dressing applications. A porous structure uptakes the wound exudate, whereas an occlusive layer (upper film) inhibits the microbial penetration and prevents an excessive loss of water. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a natural polysaccharide that has been investigated as wound dressings in the form of films, sponges, and hydrogels due to its flexibility, swelling capacity, biocompatibility, and low cost. However, there are no studies on literature regarding the development of KGM asymmetric membranes. In this study, we investigated a new casting-freezing process for the production of KGM asymmetric membranes. The scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses indicated an asymmetric morphology and a good thermal stability of the membrane samples, respectively. Moreover, biological, mechanical, and fluid-handling capacity tests showed that the membrane is biocompatible and resistant to handling structure, which was also able to retain the ideal moist conditions for wound healing. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/18958-6 - Development of microstructured materials using biopolymer for high performance dressings
• Grantee: Giovana Maria Genevro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate