Hydrogel films prepared from plant-seed mucilage: an emerging biopolymer for therapeutic applications†

Hydrogels, especially those based on polysaccharides, are three-dimensional polymeric networks with a porous internal structure and various functional groups, which make them highly promising for various biomedical applications. This study used an extract from fenugreek and flax seeds, commonly found in India, to create a hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel was subjected to morphological, functional identification, rheological, and other relevant characterizations. No additional cross-linking agent was used to prepare these films, suggesting that strong intra- and inter-molecular H bonding interactions were dominant in the gelation process. The hydrogels were then analyzed for their potential in various biological applications such as anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. The flax hydrogel film demonstrated 69% alpha-amylase inhibition and a maximum scavenging potential of up to 90%. In contrast, the fenugreek hydrogel film showed 90% alpha-amylase inhibition and a maximum scavenging activity of up to 91%. Additionally, both hydrogels exhibited the ability to quench tryptophan fluorescence, highlighting their anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, their potential antimicrobial properties were also investigated. These findings emphasize the innovative uses of transforming seed extracts for sustainable therapeutic applications.