DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IN-VITRO DRUG RELEASE EVALUATION OF ARGEMONE MEXICANA EXTRACT-LOADED SODIUM ALGINATE FILMS FOR BURN WOUND MANAGEMENT

Introduction: Burn wounds require dressings that provide a moist environment, absorb wound exudates, and enable sustained delivery of therapeutic agents. This study aimed to develop and characterize sodium alginate-based polymeric films containing Argemone mexicana Linn. extract for potential burn wound management. Materials and Methods: A. mexicana leaves were authenticated, successively extracted, and incorporated into sodium alginate films by solvent casting using glycerine as a plasticizer. Two formulations (F1 and F2), selected through Box–Behnken Design optimization, were evaluated for surface pH, porosity, folding endurance, water absorption, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and in vitro drug diffusion using a Franz diffusion cell. Results: Both formulations produced uniform and flexible films with skin-compatible surface pH (5.5–5.8). The optimized formulation (F2) exhibited significantly higher porosity (42.1 ± 0.8%), water absorption (228.7 ± 3.5%), and WVTR (1932 ± 18 g/m²/day) than F1 (p < 0.0001). Although folding endurance decreased slightly after extract incorporation, all films retained satisfactory mechanical strength (>300 folds). In vitro diffusion demonstrated sustained release over 24 h, with F2 achieving approximately 99% cumulative drug release. Discussion: The improved porosity, moisture permeability, and exudate absorption of F2 can be attributed to the optimized sodium alginate–glycerine matrix, which facilitated efficient moisture management and controlled diffusion of phytoconstituents. These properties are desirable for maintaining an optimal wound-healing environment. Conclusion: The optimized Argemone mexicana-loaded sodium alginate film demonstrated excellent physicochemical characteristics and sustained drug release, suggesting its potential as a promising herbal wound dressing for burn wound management. Further in vivo and clinical investigations are warranted.