Pectin-honey hydrogel: Characterization, antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Giusto, Gessica^a | Beretta, Giangiacomo^b | Vercelli, Cristina^a | Valle, Emanuela^a | Iussich, Selina^a | Borghi, Roberta^c | Odetti, Patrizio^c | Monacelli, Fiammetta^c | Tramuta, Clara^a | Grego, Elena^a | Nebbia, Patrizia^a | Robino, Patrizia^a | Odore, Rosangela^a | Gandini, Marco^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2-5, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy | [b] Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences DISFARM, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano (MI), Italy | [c] Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova (GE), Italy

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +390116708861; E-mail: marco.gandini@unito.it.

Abstract: Background:Novel pectin-honey hydrogels have been developed and characterized as medical device. Ideally, a wound dressing should maintain optimal fluid affinity, permit moisture evaporation, protect the wound from microbes, and have shape-conformability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity. Objective:A novel, simple and fast method to produce pectin-honey wound dressings is described. Methods:The properties of these pectin-honey hydrogels were investigated, including swelling ability, water vapour transmission rate, hydrogen peroxide production, methylglyoxal content and antibacterial activity. Biocompatibility was assessed by proliferation assays using cultured fibroblast cells and by in vivo study with subcutaneous and intraperitoneal implantation in rats. Results:Hydrogel showed a good water vapour transmission rate, fluid uptake and were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts. The hydrogel demonstrated good antibacterial activity toward clinically relevant pathogens, including S. aureus and E. coli. Biocompatibility was confirmed by the measurement of plasma levels of interleukin (IL)1 beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, and prostaglandin (PG)E2. No histological changes were observed. Conclusions:The presence of a natural active component, conformability, and complete resorbability are the main characteristics of this new biocompatible biomaterial that is well tolerated by the body, possibly improves healing, may be used for surgical complications prevention, with a simple and inexpensive production process.

Keywords: Biocompatibility, biomaterial, pectin-honey hydrogels, wound dressing, medical device

DOI: 10.3233/BME-181730

Journal: Bio-Medical Materials and Engineering, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 347-356, 2018