Wound healing is a complex biological process involving tissue repair and regeneration. Natural and marine-derived biomaterials have gained considerable attention in wound-care formulations because of their biocompatibility and biological properties. The present study was undertaken to prepare and evaluate a topical wound healing gel containing fucoidan, Aloe vera and chitosan. Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide obtained from brown seaweed, possesses reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing-related biological activities. Aloe vera provides moisturizing, soothing and tissue-supporting properties, while chitosan is a biocompatible polymer with film-forming and antimicrobial properties.

The gel formulation was prepared using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the gelling agent, along with glycerin, methylparaben and purified water. The prepared formulation was evaluated for physical appearance, viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, homogeneity, absence of specific pathogenic microorganisms, moisture retention capacity and antimicrobial activity. The formulated gel showed a smooth and uniform appearance, a viscosity of 485 cP, pH of 5.0, spreadability of 7.5 g•cm/sec and moisture retention capacity of 90%. The formulation also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, with zones of inhibition of 24 mm and 21 mm at 75 µL and 50 µL, respectively.

The formulation exhibited satisfactory physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity and may have potential for topical wound-care applications. However, experimental wound-healing activity was not performed in the present study; therefore, further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are required to establish its actual wound-healing efficacy.