Creating Advanced Oregano-Infused Bandages for Better Wound Healing

Jim Crocker
8th August, 2024

Creating Advanced Oregano-Infused Bandages for Better Wound Healing

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Government College University, Lahore, developed 3D printed scaffolds using a bioink made of CMC, PVP, collagen, and oregano extract for wound healing
  • The scaffolds showed excellent mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 730 KPa and good flexibility, making them suitable for physiological conditions
  • The inclusion of oregano extract provided antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which is crucial for preventing wound infections
Wound healing is a critical aspect of healthcare, especially for conditions such as chronic wounds, burns, and traumatic injuries. Traditional wound care methods often fall short due to the complexity of the healing process and the risk of infection[2]. Recent advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have shown promising results in addressing these challenges[3]. A recent study conducted by researchers at Government College University, Lahore, has explored the potential of 3D printing to develop regenerative scaffolds for wound healing[1]. The study focuses on creating a bioink composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), collagen, and oregano extract. These materials were chosen for their biocompatibility and ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, which are crucial for effective wound healing. The researchers optimized the bioink to ensure it formed a homogeneous mixture, essential for consistent printing quality. Rheological characterization demonstrated that the bioink exhibited shear thinning behavior, meaning it becomes less viscous under shear stress, which is ideal for 3D printing. The scaffolds were fabricated using Direct Ink Write (DIW) technology at a flow speed of 4 mm³/s and a layer height of 0.18 mm. This method allowed for precise control over the scaffold's structure, ensuring meticulous porosity and mechanical integrity. The printed scaffolds were subjected to various tests to evaluate their suitability for wound healing applications. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed an average pore size of 300 ± 30 μm, which is conducive to cell infiltration and tissue regeneration. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were also impressive, with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 730 KPa and toughness of 2.72 MJ/m³, indicating that the scaffolds are strong yet flexible enough to withstand physiological conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of all the materials in the composite scaffold. The contact angle of the composite scaffold was measured at 68° ± 1°, indicating good wettability, which is essential for cell attachment and proliferation. Additionally, the scaffolds exhibited an 82% mass loss in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) over 14 days, demonstrating their biodegradability, which is crucial for temporary scaffolds that support tissue regeneration and then degrade as the new tissue forms. One of the significant findings of this study is the antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds. The inclusion of oregano extract, known for its antimicrobial properties, resulted in inhibition zones of 9 mm and 12 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. This is particularly important as wound infections are a major barrier to effective healing[2]. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was confirmed using a water-soluble tetrazolium-8 (WST-8) assay, which showed excellent compatibility with mesenchymal stem cells over a 7-day period. This indicates that the scaffolds not only support cell adhesion and proliferation but also do not induce any cytotoxic effects, making them suitable for potential clinical applications. This study builds on previous research in the field of tissue engineering and wound healing. For instance, earlier studies have highlighted the potential of 3D printed skin substitutes in promoting wound healing by mimicking the complex structure of natural skin[4]. The current study advances this by incorporating bioactive components like oregano extract, which adds an antimicrobial dimension to the scaffold, addressing the issue of wound infections that can inhibit the healing process[2]. Moreover, the use of biopolymers such as CMC and collagen aligns with the findings of previous studies that emphasize the importance of biocompatible materials in creating a favorable microenvironment for wound healing[5]. The innovative use of 3D printing technology in this study allows for precise control over the scaffold's architecture, which is crucial for effective tissue regeneration. In summary, the study by Government College University, Lahore, demonstrates the potential of 3D printed scaffolds composed of CMC, PVP, collagen, and oregano extract for wound healing applications. The scaffolds exhibit excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility, making them a promising solution for addressing the challenges of wound healing. This research not only builds on previous findings but also offers new insights into the development of advanced wound care solutions.

MedicineHealthBiotech

References

Main Study

1) Development of hybrid polyvinylpyrrolidone/carboxymethyl cellulose/collagen incorporated oregano scaffolds via direct ink write printing for potential wound healing applications.

Published 5th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134528

Related Studies

2) Wound infection. A failure of wound healing caused by an imbalance of bacteria.

Journal: The Surgical clinics of North America, Issue: Vol 77, Issue 3, Jun 1997

3) Advanced drug delivery systems and artificial skin grafts for skin wound healing.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2018.12.014

4) 3D bioprinting of heterogeneous tissue-engineered skin containing human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

https://doi.org/10.1039/d2bm02092k

5) Biopolymers: Applications in wound healing and skin tissue engineering.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-018-4296-3


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