RESUMO
Natural polymers are used as lead compounds for design of therapeutic drug delivery systems for treatment of different ailments. Chitosan and gelatin have proven wound healing properties individually. As both have wound healing property, the combination of these two polymers and incorporation of drugs into the composite films may show improvement in wound healing property. Thus, the composite films and drug loaded films were evaluated for various in vitro evaluation tests and to ascertain the applicability of prepared combination for wound healing activity. The composite films were prepared with increase in gelatin concentration. The drug loaded films were prepared with increasing concentrations of drug. These films were evaluated for thickness, folding endurance, water absorption capacity, antibacterial activity, tensile strength, in vitro drug release by diffusion studies and in vivo studies by excision wound model. The drug loaded films shown significant difference in folding endurance, water absorption capacity, antibacterial activity when compared to optimized composite film. There was no significant difference in thickness and tensile strength of drug loaded films when compared to blank composite films. Percentage of wound contraction was more for wounds treated with gentamicin loaded chitosan-gelatin composite film than blank composite film. With the above results, gentamicin loaded chitosan-gelatin combination had shown better results when compared to chitosan-gelatin film, chitosan film alone in wound healing activity.
RESUMO
Chrome shavings are the prominent solid wastes in tanning industry. Since chromium is known for its toxicity, the disposal of chrome shavings has been identified as a serious problem from the environmental point of view. At present, the popular utilization mode for chrome shavings is the manufacture of leather boards and related products. But this does not offer complete utilization of chrome shavings. Moreover, return per ton of chrome shavings is low if used for leather board production. In view of this, two processes have been developed to offer an alternative and better solution for the disposal of chrome shavings.The first process is preparation of parchment like membrane and the second process is related to development of leather like material. These products are analyzed for their mechanical behavior and other physicochemical properties. Parchment membrane can be used in the preparation of lampshades, chandeliers, wall hangers, table tops etc. and leather like material can be used in the preparation of chappal uppers, hand bags, purses, valets etc. The utilization of the chrome shavings in preparation of those two products not only reduces the environmental pollution but at the same time value added products can also be obtained.