In this research, the nanostructured alginate (AL) membranes were prepared with natural bioactive compound, Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) extract (UT). UT is broadly used as an anti-inflammatory agent and the effect on the treatment of Rheumatism was proved by many scientists. For this reason, we added this bioactive compound in the process of AL membrane formulation to improve the biological activities. 2-dimentional (2-D) and 3-dimentional (3-D) AL membranes were prepared with and without addition of UT extracts. 3-D AL membranes were prepared using ultrasound with high intensity. The wettability of AL membranes depending on the concentration of AL was studied by measuring contact angle and surface energy. Stabilization agent, poloxamer 407, was used to improve the stability of AL nanoemulsion. The effects of UT in 3-D AL membranes were studied by measuring swelling behavior and contact angle. The surface morphology was measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparing to 2-D AL membranes, 3-D AL membranes presented rougher surface due to AL nanoparticles presence. When UT was incorporated in AL membranes, strong antioxidant activity and higher contact angle and swelling ratio were observed than non-UT incorporated AL membranes.

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Cat’s claw and aloe vera gel contain active compounds and could be used to enhance the properties of wound dressings. Cat’s claw is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and anti-asthmatic properties; and aloe vera is commonly used for wound healing and skin hydration. In this study, we elaborated microparticles from an emulsion made of alginate solutions with aloe vera gel or cat’s claw extract with ultrasound and tri-dimensional membranes obtained by solvent evaporation. The 27 to 33 µm-thick membranes showed a porous surface on scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the contact angle of water on the membranes increased in hydrophilicity due to the use of aloe vera gel. Furthermore, the presence of aloe vera also improved water absorption in an acetate buffer (pH 5.5) at 37.5 °C. Finally, the presence of cat’s claw extract in the microparticles significantly enhanced radical scavenging in the 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ABTS, decoloration assay, in comparison to tri-dimensional alginate membranes with no active compounds. Alginate films with cat’s claw extract or aloe vera gel could be used as wound dressings materials.

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