Open AccessChitosan and Aloe vera gel formulations as wound healing agents in episiotomy
Author(s) -
Maria Dennise Medeiros Macêdo,
Hiago Kartney Belarmino Dantas,
Matheus Ferreira de Souza,
Thiago Cajú Pedrosa,
Ana Caroline Santana de Azevedo,
Valéria Pereira Ferreira,
Breno de Medeiros Lucena,
Wladymyr Jéfferson Bacalhau de Sousa,
Marcus Vinícius Lia Fook
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research, society and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2525-3409
DOI - 10.33448/rsd-v10i6.14895
Subject(s) - aloe vera , episiotomy , chitosan , wound healing , chemistry , medicine , biomedical engineering , traditional medicine , materials science , surgery , organic chemistry , biology , pregnancy , genetics
Episiotomy is an obstetric technique that consists of making an incision in the perineum during vaginal childbirth, to facilitate the baby to pass through. After delivery, the perineal region is sutured with absorbable threads to heal the cut. However, are frequent reports of pain, infections, and dyspareunia after the execution of this technique. In this context, the use of biomaterials becomes relevant as they promote faster and safer tissue repair, making it an attractive alternative for the healing process of episiotomy. Based on the physical-chemical and biological properties of chitosan and Aloe vera, this research developed three different vaginal gels, with the purpose of promoting tissue regeneration and infection prevention post-episiotomy. Chitosan solutions with concentrations of 5% w/v were prepared by dissolving the chitosan powder in 2% v/v aqueous solution of acetic acid. After the extraction and processing of the mucilage, the pulp of the Aloe vera leaf was added to the chitosan gel in the proportions of 1, 2, and 3% v/v. All formulations were neutralized by the slow drip technique of a neutralizing solution of sodium hydroxide (2 M). The compositions were analyzed according to their organoleptic aspect, optical microscopy, spreadability, hydrogen potential, absorption spectroscopy, cytotoxicity, and rheological behavior. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that gels produced have the potential to be used as vaginal gels.