Influence of Mimosa tenuiflora extract on cell migration in vitro , physicochemical and antibacterial properties of chitosan/genipin hydrogels

Hydrogels are polymeric systems that have been extensively investigated and applied in biomedical contexts. Its properties generally include biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties well-suited for applications in regenerative medicine and controlled delivery systems of drugs and bioactive components. Current research on hydrogels involves incorporating plant metabolites to enhance their healing properties. The bark of the Mimosa tenuiflora plant has been used empirically to treat skin injuries and burns. Emerging research has identified that this plant possesses molecules that can help wound healing. However, the use of the extract of this plant in biomaterials for skin regeneration is very little studied. In this study, the properties of hydrogels prepared from chitosan and Mimosa tenuiflora extract were investigated. Several bioactive molecules in the Mimosa tenuiflora extract were identified, including tannins and araginogalactans. The physicochemical properties of the samples were evaluated, as well as their porosity, degradation kinetics, water retention, percentage of gelation, water vapor transmission rate, and swelling ratio. The results showed porosity in the range of 62%–76%, a swelling ratio of 90%–97% and a degradation appropriate for use in the repair of skin wounds. It was observed that the extract helps to increase the antibacterial property of hydrogel, against Gram – and Gram + bacteria. Furthermore, the incorporation of the chitosan hydrogel matrix extract increases cell migration in an in vitro healing study. Therefore, it can be inferred that the extract of Mimosa tenuiflora enhances the antibacterial activity, cell migration in vitro , and physicochemical properties, such as water retention, porosity, and degradation in vitro, of the hydrogels compared to the control hydrogel. These findings suggest these hydrogels as promising candidates for wound healing dressings.