No chemistry!
Scientists have developed an eco-friendly antibacterial hydrogel
Hydrogel made of natural cellulose polymer for the treatment of RAS was developed by scientists of the University of Industrial Technologies and Design (SPbGUPTD) together with the Institute of High Molecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IVS RAS). The task of such a hydrogel is to moisten the wound and kill even antibiotic–resistant bacteria. Unlike synthetic analogues, the new hydrogel eliminates the content of toxic substances dangerous to humans, since it consists entirely of natural components. Scientists propose to use the technology not only as dressings for the treatment of wounds and burns, but also in the production of implants, smart capsules for the delivery of active substances in targeted drug therapy, eye dressings.
"Most of the hydrogels available today are synthetic and have serious drawbacks. They may contain toxic substances, and they are mainly produced from non–renewable raw materials - petroleum products. Our eco-friendly hydrogels have the property of biocompatibility, they are safe for humans. To create such hydrogels, we use fully biodegradable cellulose from agricultural waste. We do not take cellulose from wood to reduce the environmental burden. This is the uniqueness and advantage of our development," comments Alexandra Mikhailidi, one of the authors of the technology, associate professor of the Department of Printing Production Technology at SPbGUPTD.
The technology of SPbGUPTD scientists is quite simple and does not require a lot of resources or time. The cellulose powder is placed in a special solvent. In seven days, the cellulose molecules self-organize into a hydrogel, which is then thoroughly washed with water. The organic solvent goes away, leaving a pure transparent water-based hydrogel. It contains only 0.3 g of cellulose per 100 ml of liquid. The hydrogel creates a natural moist environment for the wound, which promotes healing and has a cooling effect that relieves pain.
The antibacterial effect is helped by the addition of silver nanoparticles to the hydrogel from plant raw materials, which prevent infection. This solves the problem of complicating the treatment of infected wounds with antibiotics due to a decrease in their effectiveness around the world. In addition, cellulose itself absorbs impurities that may be in the wound, where they feed bacteria and promote their reproduction.
"To create hydrogels from vegetable cellulose, waste from the agricultural industry can be used, which is, for example, flax bonfire. Now we are exploring other types of plant waste. Due to the fact that the technology does not require additional equipment and raw materials, our eco-friendly hydrogels can be produced directly at agricultural enterprises, which also use hydrogels to preserve moisture in the soil and deliver fertilizers to plant roots," adds Alexandra Mikhailidi.
Articles:
- Kotelnikova N. E., Mikhailidi A.M., Martakova Yu. V. Preparation of cellulose hydrogels during self-organization from solutions in DMAA/LiCl and their properties // High-molecular compounds. Series A. 2017. Vol. 59. No. 1. pp. 76-87
- Mikhailidi A.M., Kotelnikova N.E., Shakhmin A.L., Andersson S., Saprykina N.N., Kudryashov V.I., Ananyeva E.P., Martakova Yu.V. Preparation, characterization and antibacterial properties of cellulose–silver nanocomposites obtained from solutions in DMAA/LiCl // Chemical fibers. 2015. No. 4. pp. 40-44.
Source of information and photos: St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.
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