Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Active Substances in Wound Dressings

Abstract

Wound dressings for skin lesions, such as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are widely used for many patients, both during hospitalization and in subsequent treatment at home. To improve the treatment and shorten the healing time and, therefore, the cost, numerous types of wound dressings have been developed by manufacturers. Considering certain inconveniences related to the intolerance of some patients to antibiotics and the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and curative properties of certain essential oils, we conducted research by incorporating these oils, based on polyvinyl alcohol/ polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) biopolymers, into dressings. The objective of this study was to study the potential of a polymeric matrix for wound healing, with polyvinyl alcohol as the main material and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as secondary materials, together with additives (plasticizers poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and glycerol), stabilizers (Zn stearate), antioxidants (vitamin A and vitamin E), and four types of essential oils (fennel, peppermint, pine, and thyme essential oils). For all the studied samples, the combining compatibility, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties were investigated. The obtained results demonstrated a uniform morphology for almost all the samples and adequate barrier properties for contact with suppurating wounds. The results show that the obtained samples containing essential oils have a good inhibitory effect on, or antimicrobial properties against, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The MTT assay showed that the tested samples were not toxic and did not lead to cell death. The results showed that the essential oils used provide an effective solution as active substances in wound dressings.

Revisiting the Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils on the Oral Microbiome

“…A study shows that using a candle warmer diluted with Lavender oil in dental offices before procedures increased sedation, decreased stress and anxiety, and improved overall mood [ 95 ]; it was found to be useful in third molar extractions and orthognathic surgeries because of its anxiolytic properties [ 21 , 88 , 96 , 97 ]. A study by Sioh Kim et al showed that Lavender oil also reduces injection pain [ 98 ].…”

Wound Dressing Modifications for Accelerated Healing of Infected Wounds

“…Nevertheless, the number of bacterial cells after incubation with the EO-supplemented material was similar to the original number of bacterial cells in the inoculum, meaning that the membrane probably limited the growth of the tested microorganisms. Gheorghita et al [ 121 ], in addition to thyme oil, also incorporated EOs of pine, peppermint, and fennel into PVA- and PVP-based materials. The EOs were loaded into the biomaterials in one of two ways, either by adding the EOs to the mixtures or by adding the microencapsulated EOs.…”

Antimicrobial Wound Dressings based on Bacterial Cellulose and Independently Loaded with Nutmeg and Fir Needle Essential Oils

“…Several studies report the usage of EO in wound care products due to their wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties [50,51]. More specifically, fir needle and nutmeg oils have been reported for promoting wound closure and microbial management effects until systemic treatment with antibiotics is administered [52][53][54].…”