journal article·2025-12-24Open access

Formulation and Characterization of Hydrogel Based on Pectin, Collagen, Alginate and Myrtus communis Essential Oil for Applications in Skin Regeneration

Maria Minodora Marin, Janina-Ersilia Iancu, Petru Alexandru Vlaicu, Durmus Alpaslan Kaya, Madalina Georgiana Albu Kaya, Roxana Rodica Constantinescu, Diana Ionela Popescu, George Mihail Vlasceanu, Bianca-Maria Tihăuan, Maria-Luiza Mircea, Daniela-Mihaela Grigore, Madalina Ignat

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 1

Abstract

This paper proposes a potential solution to the current issue of developing advanced, biocompatible biomaterials with integrated therapeutic functionality, which would contribute to improving the treatment of skin defects. This study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate hydrogels based on type I collagen, pectin, alginate and myrtle essential oil, in order to obtain biomaterials with potential in skin regeneration applications. Hydrogels incorporating alginate, pectin, type I collagen and Myrtus communis essential oil were prepared via a multistep procedure comprising homogenization, crosslinking and lyophilization. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by physicochemical and structural methods, such as FTIR spectroscopy, to identify interactions between components; micro-computed tomography, to evaluate internal morphology and porosity; antibacterial tests, for evaluating the ability of the hydrogel to prevent infections at the application site; and in vitro cellular tests, such as the XTT test or cytotoxicity tests, such as LDH, essential for evaluating the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. The highest viability value was recorded for sample J4 (99.53 ± 11.88%), indicating an exceptional compatibility with the cells used, almost identical to that of the untreated control. The samples showed encouraging results, supporting their potential for applications in wound treatment and skin regeneration.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Wound Healing and Treatments · Collagen: Extraction and Characterization · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Advanced Polymer Materials Group, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania

Research Institute for Advanced Materials, Products, and Processes (CAMPUS), National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Feed and Food Quality Department, National Research and Development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition, Balotesti, 077015 Ilfov, Romania

Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, 31030 Antakya Hatay, Turkey

Collagen Department, Leather and Footwear Research Institute, 93, Ion Minulescu, 031215 Bucharest, Romania

National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies—ICSI Ramnicu Valcea, 240050 Ramnicu Valcea, Romania

Research Institute, University of Bucharest-ICUB, Splaiul Independenței, No. 95, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania

eBio-Hub Research Centre, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 313 Spl. Independenței 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Faculty of Animal Productions Engineering and Management, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd, District 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania

Department of Industrial Process Equipment, Faculty of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania

Funding

NextGenerationEU Pillar III-C9-I8

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