An Experimental Comparison of Hydrocolloid and Alginate Dressings, and the Effect of Calcium Ions on the Behaviour of Alginate Gel

Abstract

Gel-forming dressings, which absorb the wound exudate to form a non-adherent gel, accelerate wound healing in a moist environment. The most commonly used of these dressings are calcium alginate and hydrocolloid membranes. This study was designed to evaluate the physical properties of these dressings, including fluid retaining ability, gel formation, and the dissolution process to clarify the mechanisms that promote healing. A simple immersion method was used for measurement. This technique was useful for the quantitative assessment of gel-forming dressings and may help to evaluate potential application of these dressings. A comparative analysis showed that alginate dressings remained gelled longer than hydrocolloid dressings. This result was consistent with previously reported clinical features of these dressings. The absence of calcium in wound fluid induced rapid resolution of alginate gel while the presence of a certain concentration of calcium prevented degradation of the gel for as long as one month.

Rheological behavior of alginate solutions for biomanufacturing

“…[20][21][22][23] Alginate materials are also important for wound healing, as they can be converted into a hydrophilic gel by an ionexchange interaction between calcium in alginate and sodium in the blood and wound fluid. 24 …”

Wound Healing Dressings and Drug Delivery Systems: A Review

“…The ability of calcium ions to form crosslinks with the alginic acid polymer makes calcium alginate dressings ideal materials as scaffolds for tissue engineering 89, 90. A comparative study of hydrocolloid dressings and alginates showed that alginates gels remain on the wound for a longer period than hydrocolloids 91…”

“…These two processes form important mechanisms of exudate management 253. The fluid handling property is also related to the gel forming characteristics of hydrocolloid and alginate dressings 91, 247. A comparative study of the physical properties of six different hydrocolloid dressings, from different manufacturers, demonstrated that they differed widely in their fluid handling and other absorbent related characteristics such as swelling force 254.…”

Sequential Treatment with Calcium Alginate Dressings and Hydrocolloid Dressings Accelerates Pressure Ulcer Healing in Older Subjects: A Multicenter Randomized Trial of Sequential versus Nonsequential Treatment with Hydrocolloid Dressings Alone

“…The sequential approach we chose was based of the biological properties of the dressings. Alginates are gel‐forming dressings that absorb wound exudate to form a nonadherent gel that maintains a moist environment 28 . In addition, when encapsulated by alginates, murine or human macrophages were found to be activated and to secrete cytokines 29–31 .…”