Development and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Hydrocolloid‐Based Wound Dressings Incorporated With <i>Capparis sepiaria</i> Extract

ABSTRACT Developing wound dressings containing plant extracts is an innovative method of preparing wound dressings suitable for treating infected wounds. Different species of Capparis are known for their rich sources of antioxidants with wound‐healing effects. However, the Capparis sepiaria extracts have not been sufficiently explored for wound healing. Infected wounds are challenging to treat, revealing the need to design effective wound dressings. Novel single‐layer hydrocolloids (SLHs) and double‐layer hydrocolloids (DLHs) loaded with Capparis sepiaria aqueous extract were developed from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), and hydroxy methylcellulose (HPMC), and characterized using appropriate techniques. Their SEM images revealed an interwoven and porous morphology that promotes cell activities and gaseous exchange. The water vapor transmission rates and % porosity of the hydrocolloids ranged from 1000 ± 2.80 to 9500 ± 0.0025 g/m 2 /24 h and 70 ± 0.09 to 89%± 15.0%, respectively. The DLH2 hydrocolloids showed significant antibacterial efficacy against most bacterial strains, with MIC values of 15.625 μg/mL. The hemostatic effects of SLH3 and DLH3 were substantial, with the lowest absorbance values being 0.1869 and 0.1816, respectively. The prepared hydrocolloids were nontoxic, supported cellular migration suitable for accelerated wound healing, and exhibited antibacterial and hemostatic effects, making them promising dressings for treating infected and bleeding wounds.