Investigating the Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Gelatin Hydrogel Containing Malva Sylvestris Extract On Wound Healing
Authors
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Naimeh Mahheidari
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3150-2145
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Nariman Rezaei
- Health Technology Incubator center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2556-6743
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Ghasem Abaszadeh Goudarzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4078-6226
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Seyed Reza Mousavi
- School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3361-5796
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Majid Salehi
- Regenerative medicine Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran. - Department of Tissue Engineering, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6283-8181
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22100/jkh.v21i1.3593Keywords:
Malva sylvestris, Hydrogel, Carboxymethyl cellulose, Gelatin, BiocompatibilityAbstract
Introduction: Skin wound healing remains a clinical challenge, and biocompatible dressings containing natural compounds may enhance the healing process. Common mallow [Malva sylvestris], with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, is a promising candidate for biological dressings. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate a carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin hydrogel containing Malva sylvestris aqueous extract [CMC-Gel-Malva] and investigate its effect on wound healing in an animal model.
Methods: A carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin hydrogel containing Malva sylvestris aqueous extract was synthesized and characterized for morphology (SEM), water absorption, biodegradability, and pH. Hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility were assessed using hemolysis, blood clotting index, and MTT assays, respectively. The healing effect was evaluated in a rat skin wound model with negative control, CMC-Gel, and CMC-Gel-Malva groups over 14 days by assessing wound closure and histopathological changes.
Results: Both hydrogels exhibited favorable hemocompatibility with hemolysis rates below 5%. Although the BCI was lower in the CMC-Gel group (20.46%) than in the CMC-Gel-Malva group [31.10%], both significantly reduced clotting compared with the control. Malva incorporation increased water absorption, accelerated initial biodegradability, and enhanced cell viability [107.2% vs. 99.2%]. In the animal model, CMC-Gel-Malva significantly improved wound closure on day 14 [85.44% vs. 78.22%] and promoted tissue regeneration, including reduced inflammation, increased vascularization, hair follicle and sebaceous gland regeneration, and organized collagen deposition.
Conclusion: The carboxymethyl cellulose-gelatin hydrogel containing mallow extract shows excellent biocompatibility, high water absorption, and promising wound healing effects. This hydrogel may serve as an effective biological dressing for accelerating skin wound healing, particularly in chronic wounds and second-degree burns.
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