# Application of Polysaccharides in Hydrogel Biomaterials

## TL;DR

This study explores hydrogel wound dressings made with sodium alginate, PEGDA, and ginger extract, finding that a specific combination offers good water absorption and acidity for wound healing.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the evaluation of ginger extract as a modifier in hydrogels for wound dressings, influencing hydrophilicity and acidity.

## Key findings

- The 4%Alg/12%PEGDA hydrogel showed the best water absorption and slowest weight loss.
- The 4%Alg/12%PEGDA/12%EEI hydrogel had the highest hydrophilic properties and ionic conductivity.
- Adding ginger extract increased acidity, which may benefit wound healing.

## Abstract

Natural compounds incorporated into hydrogel materials have been widely used to support wound healing due to their numerous properties. The aim of this research was to produce hydrogel biomaterials with the addition of adjuvants, such as sodium alginate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) with the addition of ethylene ginger extract (EEI). A thermogravimetric (TG) study, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), water absorption testing and microscopic analysis were carried out to determine the properties of the developed dressing. The conducted research showed that the 4%Alg/12%PEGDA hydrogel was characterized by the best water absorption values and the slowest weight loss as a function of temperature. Additionally, the 4%Alg/12%PEGDA hydrogel had the best ability to dissipate stress in its structure. It was found that the addition of the ginger modifier had a negative effect on the water absorption values. Hydrogel containing 4%Alg 12%PEGDA 12%EEI showed the best hydrophilic properties and the highest ionic conductivity. The studies conducted showed that both the addition of PEGDA and EEI to hydrogels affects the increase in acidity of dressings. This is important because maintaining an acidic wound microenvironment is a potential therapeutic strategy for wound management. Therefore, although further research is needed, it is possible that 4%Alg 12%PEGDA 12%EEI hydrogel could be used as a high-performance wound dressing.