Sodium Alginate-Infused Hydrogels: A Treatment Approach for Managing Chronic Wounds in the Skin

Abstract

Climate change has increased the growth and dispersal of Sargassum algae across the Atlantic Ocean, posing significant environmental challenges, especially in the Caribbean. However, from Sargassum, sodium alginate, a polysaccharide with gel-forming abilities, is extracted and presents as a valuable resource for various applications. Chronic wounds, affecting approximately 6.5 million patients annually in the USA, require advanced treatments due to their complex healing processes. Hydrogels, known for their biocompatibility, moisture retention, and oxygen diffusion capabilities, offer an ideal solution for wound dressings. This research explores the synthesis and potential of sodium alginate-infused hydrogels for chronic wound care in the skin. Their efficacy in promoting Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell proliferation and inhibiting bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria was tested through tests based on the disk diffusion method. Their swelling ratio was tested through a water retention test. The findings indicate that the sodium alginate-infused hydrogels successfully promoted significant proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, demonstrating their potential to accelerate the healing process. Additionally, the hydrogels exhibited substantial antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The swelling tests revealed that the hydrogels have an excellent capacity to absorb and retain water over the observed time, which is essential for maintaining a moist wound environment conducive to healing. These results confirm the hydrogel’s functionality in promoting cellular regeneration and preventing infections while also ensuring an adequate moisture environment for wounds.