To Formulate and Evaluate the Collagen-Based Hydrogel Containing Centella asiatica

Abstract

This research work sought to prepare and assess the collagen based hydrogels for wound healing applications with Centella asiatica extract. Dressed as soft water rich jelly, Hydrogel is a three dimensional, water filling and water retendering hydrophilic polymer network which is acceptable for skin therapies. A widely used medicinal herb, Centella asiatica which has excellent wound healing properties was incorporated in hydrogel containing collagen and Carbopol 940 as the main gelling agents. Non formulation studies revealed that the Centella asiatica was colorless, odorless, and dissolved in water and ethanol. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were performed for collagen, which is a fundamental element. Five hydrogel formulations were undertaken having different concentrations of polymer. Viscosity, spreadability, droplet size, drug entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release of the formulations were determined and characterized. The highest viscosity and drug entrapment (%) was observed in formulation F3 (3859 cP and 82.7%, respectively) while F1 was the most spreadable at 13.55 g.cm/sec. Droplet sizes obtained were between 178 nm and 407 nm and the particles were uniformly distributed with respect to polydispersity index values. Sustained release of Centella asiatica in vitro drug release studies revealed that all the test formulations were able to achieved. It was concluded that being a collagen based hydrogel, formulation F3 holds considerable promise for use in wound healing applications due to its desirable properties of viscosity, drug entrapment and drug release. The conducted research calls for more investigations with regard to hydrogel use since no conclusions on safety and efficacy have so far been established.