Analysis of the performance of polysaccharide membranes in aqueous media as a tool to assist wound‐dressing selection

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 134; no. 40
• Main Authors: Bombaldi de Souza, Renata Francielle, Bombaldi de Souza, Fernanda Carla, Moraes, Ângela Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 20-10-2017
• Subjects: Aqueous solutions; biodegradable; biomaterials; Body fluids; Body parts; Chitosan; Computational fluid dynamics; Exudation; Guar gum; Humidity; Lesions; Materials science; Materials selection; Mechanical properties; Membranes; polyelectrolytes; Polymers; Polysaccharides; Relative humidity; Transmission rate (communications); Xanthan
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.45386

ABSTRACT
The behavior of hydrophilic matrixes in the presence of aqueous media plays a pivotal role in the selection of materials that come into contact with body fluids. Because polysaccharides have proven benefits in the treatment of skin lesions, the performance of membranes produced with chitosan combined with alginate [chitosan–alginate (Ch–A)], xanthan [chitosan–xanthan (Ch–X)], or guar gum [chitosan–guar gum (Ch–G)] after exposure to different aqueous solutions and humidity levels was analyzed with the aim of directing their applications as dressings in wounds with different exudate productions. The Ch–X membranes presented a high fluid‐uptake capacity and water‐vapor transmission rate (WVTR); this was attributed to ramifications in the xanthan structure, and the membranes were then recommended for moderately to highly exuding wounds. The Ch–G membranes showed a dense structure and presented low fluid‐uptake capacity; they were more appropriate for low‐exuding wounds or wounds in the advanced stage of cicatrization. Both the Ch–A and Ch–G membranes presented adequate mechanical properties in a wide range of relative humidity conditions and could be considered suitable for use in all body parts. However, as the Ch–A formulation showed limited WVTR, its use should be restrictedly to, at most, moderately exuding wounds. In all cases, the assessment of the wound type by a professional would be required to define the final dressing formulation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45386.