Simultaneous encapsulation and stabilization of Aloe vera extract on cotton fabric for wound dressing application

Abstract

Utilization of some herbal products in wound dressing for rapid healing with no side effects is a highly interesting task. The present paper offers the use of Aloe vera extract in nanocapsules on cotton fabric for wound healing with antimicrobial properties. A simultaneous encapsulation of Aloe vera extract and stabilization method was carried out on the cotton fabric. FESEM images indicated successful formation of nanocapsules on the cotton fabric with spherical shape and average size of 55–70 nm. The cotton fabric loaded with Tragacanth nanocapsules containing Aloe vera extract showed relatively good antibacterial and antifungal activities with microbial reduction of 75 ± 0.1, 80 ± 0.1 and 81 ± 0.1% against E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively. Also, the treated fabric is suitable for wound dressing application due to good wound healing effects with migration rate of 88% after 24 h.