Innovative Biodegradable Antiseptic and Ointment Wipes for Advanced Wound Management.

Abstract

Wound care management has undergone significant advancements, driven by the increasing need for effective, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions, especially in low-resource countries. The primary goal of wound care is to expedite healing, minimize infection risk, and ensure cosmetic and functional recovery. This study explores the development of biobased antiseptic and ointment wipes as an eco-friendly, affordable alternative to conventional wound dressings. Spunlace viscose and bamboo fabrics (72 GSM and 114 GSM) were selected for their absorbency and biodegradability. Key bioactive components (tea tree oil, beeswax), and baby shampoo were infused via a padding method. Physical properties, water absorbency (AATCC197), and antibacterial effectiveness (AATCC 100) against S. aureus and E. coli were evaluated using standard textile and microbiological test methods. A subjective evaluation with 15 athletes assessed wound healing effectiveness.Bamboo fabric demonstrated superior wicking height (11.0 cm at 120 s) compared to viscose (10.8 cm). Antibacterial testing revealed a 100% reduction in S. aureus and a 96.2% reduction in E. coli for bamboo samples. Athlete trials indicated an average wound healing time of four days with high satisfaction levels. Cost analysis showed antiseptic wipes cost $0.062 per unit, and ointment wipes cost $0.104 per unit, making them cost-effective alternatives to synthetic and economically viable for mass adoption. Biodegradable antiseptic and ointment wipes infused with natural antimicrobial agents offer a sustainable and effective solution for wound care. Their superior absorbency, antibacterial efficacy, and affordability highlight their potential for widespread adoption in healthcare. Future research should focus on optimizing formulations for broader clinical applications.