Analysis of Manuka (Leptospermum Scoparium) Honey and Development of Chitosan-Manuka Honey Film for Wound Dressing Applications

Abstract

This research focuses on the chromatographic identification of unique manuka compounds responsible for antimicrobial and wound healing properties. And also the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of manuka honey against Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Escherichia Coli (E.coli) was elucidated. The analyzed manuka honey sample with Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) of 18+ was selected for the formation of films for the wound contact layer with chitosan. MIC of manuka honey sample was derived using broth dilution method against the two wound pathogens S.aureus (gram positive) and E.coli (gram negative). Out of the ten concentrations (22.5%, 20%, 17.5%, 15%,12.5%, 10%, 8.5%, 7%, 5.5% and 4%) tested, the results depict that the MIC95 (atleast 95% inhibition) of manuka honey against gram positive S.aureus is 10%, and gram negative E.Coli is 12.5%. The antimicrobial and wound healing studies were also performed from the developed films. Chitosan-honey films exhibited higher bacterial inhibition against both S.aureus and E.coli compared to blank chitosan film. The inhibition zone of chitosan-honey films against S.aureus and E.coli was observed as 28mm and 24mm respectively. Chitosan film showed the same activity of 24 mm against E.coli and lower activity of 22 mm against S.aureus. Similarly, the in vivo wound healing studies revealed that the chitosan-honey film has 95% wound closure on day 18.