Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based films incorporated with Ocimum basilicum L. extract for skin wound healing

Abstract

The skin acts as a protective barrier for the body. Significant functional limitations can occur when damaged, such as pain and infections. This study aims to develop hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films incorporated with Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) extract for wound healing. The plant extract was prepared, followed by production and morphological evaluation of the films determining, for example, water vapor transmission, swelling index, solubility, and antioxidant activity. The films were macroscopically homogeneous, transparent, flexible, and resistant, with an average thickness of 157 μm. They also showed high hydrophilicity due to the polarity of the polymer, soluble in aqueous media, with a good degree of swelling (1.254 % for HPMC + OB 15 %) and good permeability to water vapor (1.467% for the control film), with a light decrease after incorporation of the extract. However, adding the extract increased the antioxidant activity significantly, around 50%, compared to the control film. Thus, it proves to be a promising dressing for wound healing due to the good physical characteristics of the polymer, combined with the antioxidant activity of the extract.