Analysis of gauze pad made from coconut tree fiber infused with guava derived phenolic compounds

Abstract

Gauze pad wound dressing plays a crucial role in protecting the wound and preventing it from factors that can prolong the healing process. However, due to the porous nature of gauze pads, it cannot completely block microbes from getting into the wound. This study analyzes coconut tree fiber as a gauze pad infused with guava derived phenolic compounds, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The research assesses the extract’s effectiveness, focusing on phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial effects. By employing the disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, the study reveals that both 50% and 30% extracts exhibit inhibitory activity, with mean zones of inhibition at 8.5 mm and 8.33 mm, respectively, showing the antimicrobial property for both 50% and 30% extracts. The samples also demonstrated notable DPPH radical scavenging capacities for concentrations ranging from 0.006 to 1.27 (%w/v) for the 50% extract sample and from 0.006 to 1.25 for the 30% extract sample, ranging from 1.98% to 68.5% and 7.94% to 69.5%, respectively, indicating antioxidant property for both samples. The researchers have determined that there is no significant difference (p-value = 0.9187, α = 0.05) between the scavenging activity of both 50% and 30% extract. Furthermore, a minimal disparity in total phenolics was observed, with the former containing 1.25 and the latter 1.24 weight percent gallic acid. To determine if there is any negative skin reaction, a patch test was conducted in collaboration with a dermatologist using Stanford Health Care Medicine Standard. The test revealed no adverse skin reactions after three days of no removal usage of the coconut tree fiber gauze pad infused with phenolic compounds, as compared to a commercially available gauze pad. This study underscores the promise of guava extract and its antibacterial properties, particularly against skin pathogens, and its safe application when integrated with coconut fiber. This combination holds potential as a natural antimicrobial agent with diverse applications.