Evaluation of sodium alginate sponge infused bromelain spray and Helichrysum italicum nanoemulsion to accelerate wound healing.

Abstract

This research introduces a pioneering porous sponge composed of sodium alginate/gellan gum polymers manufactured via the freeze-drying method. Bromelain was encapsulated in H. italicum nanoemulsion and sprayed using a spray device containing a glass gun with a 0.2 μm nozzle. Physicochemical properties, including swelling capacity (1570.48 ± 54.2), porosity (88.860 ± 5.7), biodegradability (98.21 ± 8), shape memory, FTIR, and SEM analyses were performed. Blood absorption (1465 ± 82 %), anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity against various pathogens (35 mm S. aureus, 23 mm E. coli, 21 mm P. aeruginosa) also were investigated. SA/GG/BR/NEHro sponge showed excellent anti-inflammatory (89.34 ± 4.2) and demonstrated effective antibacterial properties, which can help safeguard the wound against bacterial infection. FTIR analysis correctly confirms the presence of bromelain and oil nanoemulsion and SEM micrograph analysis showed high porosity of sponges containing H. italicum oil nanoemulsion. SA/GG/BR/NEHro exhibited remarkable compressive flexibility, mechanical stability, and shape memory properties. The results also show that bromelain helped reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and accelerate wound closure. In vitro and in vivo wound healing studies revealed that the sponges exhibited excellent homeostasis. Notably, the SA/GG/BR/NEHro sponge achieved complete closure of full-thickness wounds (100 %), underscoring its exceptional performance in wound repair and regeneration.