ABSTRACT
Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener un sistema que pueda ser usado para conservar de manera localizada en una herida dérmica las propiedades cicatrizantes y refrescantes del Aloe Vera usado en la medicina tradicional, integrando dicho principio activo en una matriz polimérica compuesta por alginato, quitosano y alcohol polivinílico (PVA), los cuales en conjunto poseen propiedades de resistencia mecánica, biodegradabilildad y biocompatibilidad, necesarios para este tipo de aplicación. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, se evaluó la morfología, grupos funcionales, propiedades mecánicas y cinética de liberación de las muestras. Cada una de las matrices evidenciaron una morfología con poros interconectados y estabilidad mecánica. La liberación de Aloe vera desde la matriz de PVA-alginato-quitosano tuvo un comportamiento no fickiano, mientras la de alginato-quitosano siguió un comportamiento más cercano al fickiano. Las matrices de PVA-quitosano-alginato y alginato- quitosano por sus características, mecánicas, morfológicas de poros definidos e interconectados, y de cinética de liberación representan buenos modelos para ser tenidos en cuenta como sistemas de liberación controlada de medicamentos.
Abstract The purpose of this work was to obtain polymeric systems from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), alginate and chitosan as possible matrix to encapsulate Aloe vera gel, seeking to integrate mechanical strength, biodegradability and biocompatibility of these polymers. In addition, Aloe vera gives the polymer matrix healing and emollient properties. Morphology, functional groups, mechanical properties and kinetic release behavior of the samples were evaluated. The matrices showed a morphology with interconnected pores and mechanical stability. The release of Aloe vera from the matrix of PVA-alginate-chitosan exhibited a non Fickian behavior, while alginate-chitosan presented a closer to Fickian behavior. PVA-chitosan-alginate and chitosan matrices, by their mechanical, morphological and interconnected and well defined pores, and alginate-release kinetics properties, represent good models to be taken into account as systems of controlled drug release.
Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter sistemas poliméricos a partir de Polivinil Álcool (PVA), alginato e quitosana como possíveis matrizes para encapsular o gel de Aloe vera, buscando integrar resistência mecânica, biodegradabilidade e biocompatibilidade desses polímeros. Além disso, a Aloe vera confere propriedades de cura e emoliência à matriz polimérica. Morfologia, grupos funcionais, propriedades mecânicas e comportamento de liberação cinética das amostras foram avaliados. As matrizes mostraram uma morfologia com poros interconectados e estabilidade mecânica. A liberação de Aloe vera a partir da matriz de PVA-alginato-quitosana exibiu um comportamento não Fickiano, enquanto alginato-quitosana apresentou um comportamento mais próximo ao Fickiano. As matrizes PVA-quitosana-alginato e quitosana, por seus poros mecânicos, morfológicos e interconectados e bem definidos, e as propriedades cinéticas de liberação de alginato, representam bons modelos a serem considerados como sistemas de liberação controlada do fármaco.
ABSTRACT
Aloe vera is a perennial plant employed for medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes that is rich in amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and polysaccharides, which are responsible for its therapeutic properties. Incorporating these properties into a biopolymer film obtained from alginate and chitosan allowed the development of a novel wound dressing with antibacterial capacity and healing effects to integrate the antibacterial capacity of silver nanoparticles with the healing and emollient properties of Aloe vera gel. Three alginate-chitosan matrices were obtained through blending methods using different proportions of alginate, chitosan, the Aloe vera (AV) gel and silver nanoparticles (AgNps), which were incorporated into the polymeric system through immersion methods. Physical, chemical and antibacterial characteristics were evaluated in each matrix. Interaction between alginate and chitosan was identified using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique (FTIR), porosity was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling degree was calculated by difference in weight, Aloe vera gel release capacity was estimated by applying a drug model (Peppas) and finally antibacterial capacity was evaluated against S. Aureus and P. aeruginosa. Results show that alginate-chitosan (A (1:3 Chit 1/Alg 1); B (1:3 Chit 1.5/Alg 1) and C (3:1 Chit 1/Alg 1/B12)) matrices with Aloe vera (AV) gel and silver nanoparticles (AgNps) described here displayed antibacterial properties and absorption and Aloe vera release capacity making it a potential wound dressing for minor injuries.
