Facile process of Hibiscus mucilage polymer formulation using Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves to treat second-degree burn and excision wounds

Abstract Mucilage is a sticky substance found in various plants and microorganisms and is made up of proteins and polysaccharides. Mucilage from Hibiscus rosa sinensisis is a complex polysaccharide traditionally used to treat different skin diseases. In our study, we fabricated mucilage polymer from Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves and evaluated its potential application in second-degree burns and excision wounds. The physical properties of Hibiscus mucilage (HM) polymer were demonstrated by using Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Tellerand, Swelling ratio. The human cell lines WI-38, and HaCaT have been used for in-vitro experiments like MTT, scratch wound, BrdU, ROS scavenging assays, and western blot analysis. The results of the MTT, scratch-wound, and BrdU assay indicated that the HM polymer is nontoxic in nature and also enhances both the properties of cellular migration and proliferation, respectively. On the other hand, the result of the ROS scavenging assay suggested that HM polymer enhances the antioxidant activity of cells while the western blot analysis designated that the HM polymer treatment caused downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN- γ and upregulation of the pAkt (Serine 473) protein, and TGF- β 1 signaling pathway. Therefore, all in-vitro experimental studies recommended that HM polymer is biocompatible and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the in vivo experiment, second-degree burns and excision wounds were created on the dorsal surface of male BALB/c mice. After the sixth day of HM polymer treatment have developed new tissue, hair follicles, blood vessels, α -SMA, and Collagen type-1 fiber on the burn and excision wound area while the 11th day of HM polymer treatment cured the wound area significantly. Therefore, it could be contemplated that HM polymer is a potential agent for treating different wounds in the near future.