Ultra-mesh: upgrading layers of treatment with refined applications of membranes, extracts, and saccharides for healing

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin or tissue that typically occur as a result of underlying conditions leading to the patient's immobility, causing prolonged pressure on a specific area and reduced blood circulation. These injuries can vary in depth, potentially reaching muscles and bones. This problem causes severe pain, impairing the patients' quality of life and increasing mortality rates. In this context, it is crucial to develop new topically applied formulations for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, focusing on pain relief, prevention of microbiological contamination, as well as efficient and cost-effective wound healing. Therefore, the current project proposes the development of a membrane for pressure ulcer healing, utilizing carrageenan and açaí seed extract. The açaí seed, an unexplored by-product from the Amazon, will be extracted and its bioactive compounds quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, its antioxidant activity will be evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays, along with the measurement of total phenolics. The membrane will be developed using º-carrageenan, a polysaccharide with healing properties. This membrane will be characterized for its appearance, color, thickness, mechanical properties, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), release and in vitro disintegration, absorption capacity of physiological solutions, and mass loss in aqueous solutions. (AU)