Tridimensional Alginate Films with Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) Extract or Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) Gel for Potential Use as Wound Dressings

Abstract

Cat’s claw and aloe vera gel contain active compounds and could be used to enhance the properties of wound dressings. Cat’s claw is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-asthmatic properties; and aloe vera is commonly used for wound healing and skin hydration. In this study, we elaborated microparticles from an emulsion made of alginate solutions with aloe vera gel or cat’s claw extract with ultrasound and tri-dimensional membranes obtained by solvent evaporation. The 27 to 33 µm-thick membranes showed a porous surface on scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the contact angle of water on the membranes increased in hydrophilicity due to the use of aloe vera gel. Furthermore, the presence of aloe vera also improved water absorption in an acetate buffer (pH 5.5) at 37.5 °C. Finally, the presence of cat’s claw extract in the microparticles significantly enhanced radical scavenging in the 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ABTS, decoloration assay, in comparison to tri-dimensional alginate membranes with no active compounds. Alginate films with cat’s claw extract or aloe vera gel could be used as wound dressings materials.