Membrana de látex com incorporação de arnica visando o tratamento de queimaduras de segundo grau

Abstract

In recent years, several studies have focused on therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of skin injuries caused by burns. In this context, the search for biomaterials and natural substances that can help in the regeneration process of skin damages, from low-cost materials and recovery to the entire population. Among the materials already studied for this application, the natural latex from rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis presents excellent physical, chemical and biological properties. It can stimulate angiogenesis and accelerate the tissue regeneration process. Combined with latex, plant extracts can contribute to the treatment of burns. So arnica has several therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regenerative effects. The present study aims to obtain and characterize the latex-based membranes loaded with arnica fiber for application in skin injuries caused by burns. The characterization of latex-based membranes were done by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and it showed the presence of characteristic chemical groups for each of the pure constituents and in membranes containing arnica, it was observed that the purification process was efficient and that there is a predominance of polymer characteristics in latex membranes with arnica, denoting a low interaction between the systems, which was confirmed by the results of TG (Thermogravimetry) and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) since there was no change in the thermal characteristics of the material by the combination of arnica. In the mechanical testing, it can be observed that the addition of arnica caused a slight change in the mechanical properties of the latex, indicating the low interaction between the polymer matrix and arnica fiber. Zeta potential analysis, it is possible to verify the presence of arnica fibers exposed on the surface of the latex membrane, results in hydrophilic character to the composite material. Water vapor permeation test, it can be observed that the addition of arnica promotes a small increase in water vapor adsorption to the latex matrix, which facilitates not only the diffusion of water vapor through the composite, but also the absorption of liquids inside the material, as seen in the membrane swelling test. According to the release results, it was possible to observe that the release mechanism followed a biexponential pattern, indicating an anomalous behavior, not following a Fickian pattern. It was observed that the highest concentration of arnica promoted an increase in concentration at each incubation time. In vivo study results showed that burns covered with the latex membrane and mainly as covered by latex membranes containing arnica, heat increased protection against infectious agents and water loss from the wound. The membrane content 10% of arnica favored more intensely cell proliferation and tissue organization, and could be determined for second-degree burn treatments.