Development of environment friendly biodegradable biopolymer-based hydrogel composites incorporated with waste cotton for wound dressings

In modern healthcare, environmental issues, including the extensive use of non-biodegradable materials and rising medical waste, are critical concerns. Addressing these challenges, this study developed environmentally friendly alginate/chitosan hydrogel composites reinforced with nonwoven textiles from industrial cotton waste and enhanced with the natural antibacterial agents neem and turmeric. The composites were prepared with varying concentrations of alginate/chitosan hydrogels (0.75%, 1.25%, 1.75%) and different nonwoven fabric densities (50, 100, 150 GSM). Key findings reveal that neem-treated samples exhibited the highest wound exudate absorption (420%) at 150 GSM and 0.75% hydrogel concentration, whereas turmeric-treated samples provided optimal moisture management, with an overall moisture management capacity (OMMC) of 0.45 at 150 GSM and 1.75% hydrogel concentration. Additionally, turmeric-treated samples achieved higher air permeability (108 mm/sec) compared to neem-treated samples (62 mm/sec) at 1.75% hydrogel and 150 GSM. In terms of mechanical properties, neem treatment resulted in superior tensile strength (32.05 N), while turmeric treatment improved flexibility, with an elongation of 13.98%. These results indicated the composite’s potential for wound dressing applications, with neem treatment suitable for high absorbency and tensile strength, and turmeric treatment ideal for moisture management and flexibility. This sustainable hydrogel composite offers a promising, biodegradable alternative for effective wound care and medical waste reduction.