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Background


The modulation of hydrogel for controlled therapeutic release maintains an objective to deliver and control the release of therapeutics utilizing a hydrogel delivery system derived from sodium alginate. The therapeutic-infused hydrogel adhesive for controlled release intends to offer treatment for first and second degree burns. The hydrogel alginate complex of the proposed wound dressing rectifies the compromised water barriers which incur from instances of first and second degree burns. As such, the hydrogel alginate complex releases a therapeutic agent into the burn wound while simultaneously hydrating the area, thus averting further injury. The hydrogel wound dressing will be generated by precipitating food-grade sodium alginate in a calcium chloride solution. The reaction will yield spheres of low-density gel encompassed by a thin, gelatinous membrane. Both  high-density and low-density hydrogel layers will be produced, then fashioned between the low-density hydrogel spheres, before the dressing undergoes a freeze-drying process as to produce porous sheets. Pre-existing treatment of first-degree and second-degree burns call for the application of lidocaine anesthetic with aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the infected area. Likewise, an antibiotic ointment may be utilized to further protect the infected area. The hydrogel wound dressing provides for the soothing sensation, typically achieved by pre-existing solutions, with the sterility and protection of pre-existing antibiotic treatments. Consequently, the hydrogel wound dressing functions as comparatively more sterile, efficient treatment of burn wounds.


The video illustrates the production of hydrogel 'beads' and 'worms' utilizing sodium alginate and calcium chloride

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