In recent years, therapeutic alternatives for burn treatment have increasingly emphasized biomaterials and natural compounds that promote skin regeneration at low cost. Among them, Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex is known for accelerating wound healing and angiogenesis. Likewise, Arnica exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and regenerative effects. This study developed and characterized latex membranes incorporated with Arnica fibers for burn wound therapy. Latex was purified and dissolved in chloroform, followed by Arnica incorporation at 5 and 10% concentrations. Characterization included FTIR, TGA, DSC, tensile testing, zeta potential, water vapor permeability, swelling assays, release profile, and both in vitro and in vivo assays. FTIR, TGA, and DSC analyses indicated no chemical interaction between latex and Arnica, although the presence of Arnica delayed latex degradation. Samples containing 5 and 10% Arnica showed swelling rates of 25 and 33.61%, respectively, demonstrating improved water uptake. In the release assay, 10% Arnica released approximately 0.319 mg/mL, whereas 5% released 0.175 mg/mL. Cell viability was 108, 84, and 86% for pure latex, latex +5% Arnica, and latex +10% Arnica, respectively. In vivo, both 5 and 10% Arnica membrane enhanced cell proliferation and tissue organization in second-degree burns, offering better infection protection and moisture retention. These findings support the membrane’s potential as a low-cost, effective material for burn treatment.
Silva et al. (Wed,) studied this question.