Advanced Healing Fabric Infused with Yarrow and Violet Extracts

Jenn Hoskins
28th April, 2024

Advanced Healing Fabric Infused with Yarrow and Violet Extracts

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In an Iranian study, dressings with Viola extract showed better wound protection and healing than those with Achillea millefolium
  • Viola extract dressings were stronger and had higher antibacterial activity against skin infection-causing bacteria
  • These dressings released healing agents steadily over 72 hours, reducing the need for frequent changes
In the realm of healthcare, the healing of wounds is a critical concern, and the development of advanced wound dressings is a dynamic area of research. The latest study from the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST)[1] has made a significant contribution to this field by exploring the use of natural herbal extracts in creating biocompatible wound dressings. These innovative dressings are designed to mimic the extracellular matrix, a complex network of proteins and other substances that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. The research focused on two specific herbal extracts: Achillea millefolium (AM) and Viola (V). These extracts were chosen for their known medicinal properties and were incorporated into a matrix made of Chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) using a process called electrospinning. Electrospinning is a technique that creates very fine fibers, which can form a mat with a structure similar to the natural extracellular matrix. These mats have been shown to be promising for tissue engineering due to their ability to support cell growth and tissue repair[2]. The mats were then crosslinked with Carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), which served to improve their chemical stability, water resistance, and biodegradability. This step is crucial for ensuring that the dressing remains intact and functional throughout the healing process. The presence of AM and Viola extracts in the mats was confirmed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), a method used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of a solid, liquid, or gas. One of the key findings of this study was the significant differences in mechanical properties between the two herbal extracts when used in the dressings. The tensile strength, which is a measure of how much force a material can withstand while being stretched before breaking, was found to be 6.9 MPa for AM and 17.2 MPa for Viola. This indicates that the Viola extract-based dressings are more robust and could be better at protecting wounds from external forces. The antibacterial properties of the mats were also evaluated, with the Viola extract showing strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. The mats containing Viola extract produced an 8.2 mm inhibition zone, which is a clear area around the sample where bacteria cannot grow, indicating the mat's antibacterial efficacy. In contrast, the AM extract showed a 30% inhibition, which is less effective but still significant. Furthermore, the release of therapeutic agents from the mats was studied. The mats exhibited an initial rapid release phase, followed by a more controlled and consistent release over 72 hours. This controlled release is essential for providing a sustained therapeutic effect without the need for frequent dressing changes. The most compelling result came from the in vitro wound healing analysis, which showed that the Viola extract led to 80.9% wound closure by the 10th day, a significant improvement over the AM extract at 63.7%, and far surpassing the control group's 32.1%. This indicates that the Viola extract not only has strong antibacterial properties but also actively promotes wound healing. The findings of this IUST study align with previous research that has highlighted the potential of natural-based compounds and biopolymers in wound management[3]. The use of polysaccharide-based hydrogels enriched with herbal extracts has been previously discussed as a promising approach for wound healing applications[3]. Moreover, the importance of electrospun nanofibrous mats, due to their extracellular matrix-like structure and ability to incorporate drugs for controlled release, has been established[2][4]. In conclusion, the IUST study provides a comparative analysis of the efficacy of AM and Viola extracts in wound dressing applications, demonstrating the superior mechanical strength, antibacterial properties, and wound healing capabilities of Viola extract. This research not only furthers our understanding of the potential uses of herbal extracts in medical applications but also offers a promising direction for the development of more effective wound dressings. The study's findings could have significant clinical implications, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with various types of wounds.

MedicineBiotechPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) CDI crosslinked chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) electrospun nanofibers loaded with Achillea millefolium and Viola extract: A promising wound dressing.

Published 15th July, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122117

Related Studies

2) Wound dressing based on electrospun PVA/chitosan/starch nanofibrous mats: Fabrication, antibacterial and cytocompatibility evaluation and in vitro healing assay.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.115

3) Polysaccharide-based hydrogels containing herbal extracts for wound healing applications.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119808

4) Tetracycline hydrochloride-loaded electrospun nanofibers mats based on PVA and chitosan for wound dressing.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2017.03.199


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