Abstract
Innovative bioactive hydrogel dressings based on Psyllium (Pys) and Carbopol (Carp) supported with Frankincense essential oil (FO) were fabricated using γ- irradiation facility for crosslinking and sterilization. (Psy-Carp)/FO dressing's characteristics, hemolytic potential, antioxidant efficiency, antimicrobial activity as well as their morphological features were evaluated. Wound healing efficacy was evaluated using a rat model. The results revealed that the gelation degrees increased by the increase of (Psy) concentration, Carbopol content, and irradiation dose. The incorporation of FO oil up to 5% improves the swelling ability as well as the dressing porosity as shown by SEM images. The incorporation of FO oil enhances the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR), increases the antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial activity and microbial barrier potency of (Psy-Carp)/FO dressing was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Candida albicans (C. albicans), the results showed that it attenuates microbial growth of all the tested strains after 18 h. by two log cycle and cause a high rate of microbial killing. A significant increase of protein release, decrease in Exopolysaccharides (EPS) content and decrease of membrane surface potential were noticed indicating alternation of cell membrane permeability leading to cell death. In vivo wound healing evaluation using rat model confirms that the tested dressings induce faster wound healing with improvement biochemical parameters compared with that of FO free (Psy-Carp) hydrogel. Based on the above-mentioned results, it can be concluded that (Psy-Carp)/FO hydrogel dressings demonstrate a promising potential as wound care candidates.