Fabrication and Evaluation of Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Containing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as Wound Dressing
Wound Dressing Selection A dressing is chosen based on the type, depth, location, and extent of the wound, as well as the level of exudate, infection, and adherence. Dressings are divided into two categories: traditional and modern. Traditional wound dressings (e.g., cotton and gauze) absorb a significant amount of moisture from the wound, which can severely dry out the wound surface, leading to reduced healing speed and pain during dressing removal.
Wound Dressing for Skin Repair and Function Restoration
Wound dressing is essential for the repair of damaged skin and the restoration of its function. An ideal wound dressing should meet several requirements: 1) a physical barrier to prevent further injury and contamination; 2) a carrier for antibacterial agents to eliminate bacterial infections in the wound area; 3) an absorption system to cleanse metabolites (tissue fluids, proteins, and dead cells); and 4) an environmental modulator to accelerate wound healing (keeping the wound moist, removing free radicals, and enhancing antioxidant properties).
Modern dressings can be categorized into four main types: foam, alginate, film, and hydrogel. Hydrogel dressings are made from hydrophilic, swellable, and insoluble materials, often available in gel and film forms. They contain 70-90% water, making them capable of absorbing significant exudate, and are suitable only for surface wounds. Hydrogel dressings are used to heal dry wounds due to their ability to create a moist environment that helps remove dead tissue and foreign materials from the wound. The moist wound environment facilitates autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue. Hydrogel dressings are typically transparent, allowing easy observation of the wound surface without removal. They can be used for burns, surgical wounds, skin tears, and pressure ulcers. Additionally, they are the best choice for wounds with minimal exudate control. Common forms of hydrogels include sheet hydrogels, amorphous gels, and impregnated gauze. They can also be beneficial in the healing of painful wounds.
Currently, extensive research is being conducted on loading therapeutic agents into hydrogels to enhance their efficacy in wound healing while retaining the properties of the hydrogel. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles with known antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are loaded into a hydrogel matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CsMe) to improve the hydrogel's effectiveness.
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