Optimization of Water-Insoluble Carboxymethyl Cellulose Foam for Wound Dressing Materials

Wound dressing plays an important role in maintaining a moist environment and facilitating proper wound healing. This study focuses on the development of water-insoluble expandable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)–alginate foam for cavity dressing applications. CMC is widely used in the medical field due to its excellent absorbency, biocompatibility and ability to promote wound healing. However, CMC lacks mechanical properties and shape stability in moist environment. The effects of CMC solution concentration, heat treatment temperature, and addition of alginate on the water absorption, water retention performance, and physical properties of the foam were evaluated. The results indicate that higher CMC solution concentrations led to increased weight and density, improved structural integrity, and enhanced wet compressive strength but prolonged absorption time. Heat treatment with citric acid as a cross-linking agent resulted in increased wet compressive strength and decreased absorption time. Additionally, the incorporation of alginate influenced the absorption properties and compressive strengths of the foam. The study confirms the potential usability of CMC–alginate freeze-dried foam for cavity dressing applications, providing insights for further research in this area.