Filipa A M M Goncalves
University of Coimbra, Portugal
Title: Biopolymer based films for wound dressings
Biography
Biography: Filipa A M M Goncalves
Abstract
In recent years, various studies have focused on producing and improving treatments for skin regeneration. Polymers are the most important components of these systems in terms of release characteristics and permeation of drugs as well as mechanical properties of the formulations of these systems. The biopolymer films have become a very popular choice since they are biodegradable and biocompatible. In our group we have developed some hydrogels based on gelatin, pectin, starch and alginate to be applied as drug delivery systems. Here we wish to report the preparation of new wound dressings based on chitosan and dicarboxylic acids from renewable sources. Membranes based on pectin and chitosan were also developed. The films were physically, chemically and biologically characterized. Finally, they were loaded with polyhexanide (PHMB) which works as an antiseptic. The hydrophilic properties were evaluated. The effects of the sterilization by gamma irradiation and by heat treatment were accessed and the effect on the final properties of the films was evaluated.