The largest organ in the human body, our skin is tasked with protecting us from external germs and other antigens. However, the skin is also a very vulnerable organ, often prone to injuries and damage. Hence, wound healing is one of the most critical processes in time. Among the different wound healing materials used, alginate dressing has proven the most efficient. Alginate biopolymer has been a crucial component in creating various composite materials for wound dressing to improve the efficiency of the process. The essential purpose of alginate is to elevate the hydrophilic nature of these wound dressing materials. Thus, resulting in creating a moist environment for the wound, prompting the skin to recover quickly.
Introduction to Alginate And Its Wound Healing Properties
Alginate is extracted from the brown seaweed and is a heteropolysaccharide by nature. This material is pretty inexpensive and is readily available in the form of Laminaria japonica, L. hyperborean, M. pyrifera, and so many others. The colour of this component is yellowish-brown or white in some cases, and it is soluble in water while being insoluble in other organic solvents like chloroform or alcohol. The ability of alginate to create a gel-like texture allows it to be biocompatible and biodegradable, and hence it is an ideal material for storage and sterilization. So, alginate has been used in different biomedical processes such as wound healing and tissue regeneration.
The wound-healing properties of alginate dressing; have been researched widely since the product seems to have superb biocompatibility and the capacity to retain water. Not just that but alginate also incorporates pro-inflammatory signals and helps in accelerating chronic wound healing. Different forms of alginate dressing are available in the market, such as films, membranes, hydrogel, and sponges. With more expanded research, other alginate properties will be soon revealed.
About The Author:
Wound-Care is a healthcare firm located in the UK that specializes in the distribution of wound-care products. All of our dressings come from MHRA-approved suppliers in the UK. We ship to hospitals and health clinics all around the world.
Reference
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0144861720301995
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/78046
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