ABSTRACT
Hydrogels are three-dimensional structures with specific features that render them useful for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the search for improved mechanical properties of hydrogels derived from natural products to extend their applications in various fields, and there are different methods to obtain strengthened hydrogels. Cationic guar gum has physicochemical properties that allow it to interact with other polymers and generate hydrogels. This study aimed to develop an ultra-stretchable and self-healing hydrogel, evaluating the influence of adding PolyOX [poly(ethylene oxide)] on the mechanical properties and the interaction with cationic guar gum for potential tissue engineering applications. We found that variations in PolyOX concentrations and pH changes influenced the mechanical properties of cationic guar gum hydrogels. After optimization experiments, we obtained a novel hydrogel, which was semi-crystalline, highly stretchable, and with an extensibility area of approximately 400 cm2, representing a 33-fold increase compared to the hydrogel before being extended. Moreover, the hydrogel presented a recovery of 96.8% after the self-healing process and a viscosity of 153,347 ± 4,662 cP. Therefore, this novel hydrogel exhibited optimal mechanical and chemical properties and could be suitable for a broad range of applications in different fields, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, or food storage.
ABSTRACT
Santalum genus belongs to the family of Santalaceae, widespread in India, Australia, Hawaii, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, and valued as traditional medicine, rituals and modern bioactivities. Sandalwood is reported to possess a plethora of bioactive compounds such as essential oil and its components (α-santalol and ß-santalol), phenolic compounds and fatty acids. These bioactives play important role in contributing towards biological activities and health-promoting effects in humans. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown the role of sandalwood extract as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, neuroleptic, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Safety studies on sandalwood essential oil (EO) and its extracts have proven them as a safe ingredient to be utilized in health promotion. Phytoconstituents, bioactivities and traditional uses established sandalwood as one of the innovative materials for application in the pharma, food, and biomedical industry.