Preparation and Characterization of Aloe Maculata/Chitosan Composite Gel for Wound Healing Application

Aloe has been traditionally applied for its therapeutic and medical properties over thousands of years. The medicinal properties of aloe include being used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, analgesics, anti-allergic as well as antioxidant. In Eswatini, Aloe maculata has been traditionally used for treating various ailments, suggesting potential antimicrobial properties. In this study, the species of aloe was screened for phytochemicals and a composite hydrogel was prepared with varying concentrations of aloe (10%, 20% and 30% w/v) and the natural polymer chitosan. The composite gel's solubility, water absorption capacity, and antibacterial activity was studied for a potential application in wound healing. The incorporation of different amounts of Aloe maculata gel solution into chitosan was observed to increase the water absorption capacity, solubility, and antibacterial activity. The composite gel with a 20% concentration of aloe seemed to possess better overall properties beneficial for an application in wound healing.