Participant Detail

Research Title

Gelify: Natural and biodegradable hydrogel for wound healing.

Research Abstract

Approximately 4 million cutaneous wounds occur annually, yet conventional dressings generate plastic waste and incur high costs. This project proposes an eco-friendly hydrogel to accelerate healing while reducing environmental impact. The hydrogel was formulated by dissolving sodium alginate with natural active ingredients including honey, aloe vera, and essential oils, stabilized with citric acid and vitamin E, subsequently cross-linked using calcium chloride. Physical properties and biodegradability were analyzed over seven days. Results demonstrated a high swelling capacity, absorbing up to 20 times its weight, maintaining optimal moisture for healing. Formulations with tea tree oil exhibited significant antimicrobial effects, with inhibition zones exceeding 12mm. All samples degraded within 7–10 days, confirming biodegradability, and remained stable for 21 days under refrigeration. Compared to commercial options, production costs decreased by over 70%, totaling approximately $2 per unit. This development proves it is possible to create a natural, biodegradable, and low-cost hydrogel effective for wound care. Furthermore, the simple process can be replicated in educational settings to teach green chemistry, making advanced wound care more accessible and sustainable for low-resource communities.