Degradation Behavior of Biopolymer-based Membranes for Skin Tissue Regeneration

This research work investigates the long term in vitro degradation behavior of alginate-aloe vera composite membranes for skin regeneration. The membranes were prepared through a two-step procedure, which involves the synthesis of thin membranes and the crosslinking reaction. Degradation tests were performed through the immersion of the membranes into simulated body fluid solution at {pH} 7.4 and physiological temperature, during 6 months. Alginate-aloe vera membranes are resistant to the hydrolytic degradation and exhibit weight loss values in a range of 20.37-26.32\%. Results show that an increase in the aloe vera content leads to a slight increase in the weight loss during the degradation process. Preliminary drug release studies, using nitrofurazone as a model drug, suggest the ability of the developed membranes to be used as a drug delivery system.