Degradation Behavior of Biopolymer-based Membranes for Skin Tissue Regeneration

This research work investigates the long term in vitro degradation behavior of alginate-aloe vera composite membranes for skin regeneration. The membranes were prepared through a two-step procedure, which involves the synthesis of thin membranes and the crosslinking reaction. Degradation tests were performed through the immersion of the membranes into simulated body fluid solution at pH 7.4 and physiological temperature, during 6 months. Alginate-aloe vera membranes are resistant to the hydrolytic degradation and exhibit weight loss values in a range of 20.37-26.32%. Results show that an increase in the aloe vera content leads to a slight increase in the weight loss during the degradation process. Preliminary drug release studies, using nitrofurazone as a model drug, suggest the ability of the developed membranes to be used as a drug delivery system.