Sodium alginate/carboxymethylcellulose gel formulations containing Capparis sepieria plant extract for wound healing

Aim: Using appropriate wound dressings is crucial when treating burn wounds to promote accelerated healing. Materials & methods: Sodium alginate (SA)-based gels containing Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and Pluronic F127 were prepared. The formulations. SA/CMC/Carbopol and SA/CMC/PluronicF127 were loaded with aqueous root extract of Capparis sepiaria. The formulations were characterized using appropriate techniques. Results: The gels' viscosity was in the range of 676.33 ± 121.76 to 20.00 ± 9.78 cP and in vitro whole blood kinetics showed their capability to induce a faster clotting rate. They also supported high cell viability of 80% with cellular migration and proliferation. Their antibacterial activity was significant against most bacteria strains used in the study. Conclusion: The gels' distinct features reveal their potential application as wound dressings for burn wounds. Burn wounds are difficult to treat when invaded by microbes. Capparis sepiaria plant extract was loaded into gels. The gel formulations were non-toxic, with good antibacterial effects. These features are useful for the treatment of burn wounds. SA/CMC/Carbopol and SA/CMC/PluronicF127 gels loaded with Capparis sepiaria are potential topical dressings for burn wounds. SA/CMC/Carbopol and SA/CMC/PluronicF127 gels were prepared from sodium alginate, Pluronic F127, Carbopol and Carboxymethylcellulose and loaded with Capparis sepiaria plant extract as promising wound dressings. The gel formulations displayed a non-Newtonian flow, revealing high spreadability and potential uniform distribution when administered topically on the skin surface. These features are appropriate for improving therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. All the gel formulations displayed good antibacterial efficacy against the gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. However, SA/CMC/Carbopol gels displayed a significantly more antibacterial effect than the SA/CMC/Pluronic F127 gels and the reason is not fully known and requires further studies. All the prepared gels displayed lower absorbance than Whole blood and plant extract, indicating their capability to control bleeding. However, gels TG6, TG7 and TG8 displayed the lowest absorbance, indicating their capability to induce a rapid rate of clotting, revealing a potential hemostatic effect. The gels exhibited excellent cell viability, indicating non-toxic, good biocompatibility and capability to support cell proliferation. These properties are ideal in an effect