Developmental prospects of carrageenan-based wound dressing films: Unveiling techno-functional properties and freeze-drying technology for the development of absorbent films — A review

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-09, Vol.276 (Pt 1), p.133668, Article 133668
• Main Authors: P., Amruth, P., Akshay, M., Rosemol Jacob, Joy, Jean Mary, Mathew, Suseela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced wound dressings; Biodegradable dressings; Carrageenan biocomposites; Freeze-drying techniques; Wound healing process
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133668

This review explores the intricate wound healing process, emphasizing the critical role of dressing material selection, particularly for chronic wounds with high exudate levels. The aim is to tailor biodegradable dressings for comprehensive healing, focusing on maximizing moisture retention, a vital element for adequate recovery. Researchers are designing advanced wound dressings that enhance techno-functional and bioactive properties, minimizing healing time and ensuring cost-effective care. The study delves into wound dressing materials, highlighting carrageenan biocomposites superior attributes and potential in advancing wound care. Carrageenan's versatility in various biomedical applications demonstrates its potential for tissue repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery. Ongoing research explores synergistic effects by combining carrageenan with other novel materials, aiming for complete biocompatibility. As innovative solutions emerge, carrageenan-based wound-healing medical devices are poised for global accessibility, addressing challenges associated with the complex wound-healing process. The exceptional physico-mechanical properties of carrageenan make it well-suited for highly exudating wounds, offering a promising avenue to revolutionize wound care through freeze-drying techniques. This thorough approach to evaluating the wound healing effectiveness of carrageenan-based films, particularly emphasizing the development potential of lyophilized films, has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients receiving wound healing treatments. •The review underscores the significance of choosing dressing materials, particularly for chronic wounds with high exudate levels, as a crucial factor in wound healing.•The primary goal is to customize biodegradable dressings to facilitate comprehensive healing. The focus is maximizing moisture retention, recognized as a vital element for effective recovery.•Researchers actively engage in the design of advanced wound dressings, aiming to enhance techno-functional and bioactive properties. This approach seeks to minimize healing time and ensure cost-effective care.•The study examines wound dressing materials, focusing on carrageenan biocomposites' superior attributes. It highlights carrageenan's versatility in biomedical applications, including solvent-casted films and lyophilized films/wafers, for potential use in tissue repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery.•Ongoing research on car