DESENVOLVIMENTO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE BIOFILMES DE QUITOSANA CONTENDO MEL VISANDO AÇÃO CICATRIZANTE EM LESÕES CUTÂNEAS

Abstract

The search for natural and healthy methods for maintaining the health of the population has been increasingly sought after, aiming to reduce the indiscriminate use of synthetic medications and their adverse reactions. The diversification of healthcare practices has been adopted by professionals in the medical field. The use of honey as a healing agent for wounds has been employed in traditional medicine for thousands of years, with its curative effect recognized in various cultures around the world. Scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using honey in the healing process, with benefits such as antibacterial activity due to the presence of naturally occurring substances like hydrogen peroxide. Phenolic compounds and other antimicrobial agents in honey also play an important role in its therapeutic properties. Biodegradable polymers are defined by undergoing macromolecular degradation in vivo through biological, physical, and chemical processes by enzymes, microorganisms, or cells, either through hydrolysis or enzymatic attack. Chitosan is a biopolymer with bioadhesive properties, offering a promising alternative for topical use in mucous membranes and wounds, favoring the healing process, stimulating tissue growth, and protecting the mucosa by creating a protective barrier between the wound and the environment, significantly reducing the risk of infection. The present research project aimed at developing a chitosan biofilm associated with honey for medicinal applications. Chitosan polymer was employed to obtain the honey-associated biofilms, and experimental conditions (temperature, agitation speed, and reagent volume) were standardized. The honey used in the research underwent quality control assays. The biofilms underwent organoleptic and physical tests, including visual appearance, thickness, and diameter, as well as optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Swelling capacity and resistance of the biofilms were also evaluated. The honey incorporation process successfully created a biofilm with potential therapeutic benefits, such as wound healing and infection prevention, expanding the applications of biopolymers in the pharmaceutical field. Further studies should be conducted for a more in-depth characterization of chitosan biofilms associated with honey.