Development and in vitro evaluation of borax cross-linked tamarind seed polysaccharide hydrogel films as an antioxidant and self-healing material for wound healing

The study addresses limitations of conventional hydrogel wound dressings, including weak mechanics and poor self-repair, and the need to reduce oxidative stress at the wound site. Researchers prepared self-healing hydrogel films from tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) cross-linked with borax. FTIR was used to confirm cross-linking, and SEM showed a rigid cross-linked network. The films’ physical and functional properties were measured across multiple formulations (F1–F7), including thickness, transparency, water vapor transmission, tensile strength (wet and dry), swelling, and antioxidant activity via DPPH scavenging. An optimized formulation (F6) was selected for its balance of properties. Visual inspection indicated that cuts between segments joined instantly and were completely attached within 20 minutes. Tensile testing after self-healing gave a healing efficiency of about 43.95% at 6 hours. The hydrogel film also showed low in vitro hemolysis (0.33%), reported as within a safe range, supporting hemocompatibility.