Development of a Casein-Based Hydrogel Incorporating Apple Peel Extract for Enhanced Chronic Wound Treatment

Elisabeth Ekoh – PhD student, University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico; Helena Barroso – Professor, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research; Madalena Salema-Oom – Professor, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research; Benilde Saramago – Professor, University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico; Ana Paula Serro – Professor, University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Técnico

Introduction:

Chronic wounds show a cyclic inflammatory phase with high probability of infection, affecting almost 4% of the global population¹. Driven by an aging population and the rise of comorbidities such as diabetes and cancer, the global wound care market is projected to reach $30.2 billion by 2032². Natural biomaterials have emerged as promising alternatives for effective biocompatible dressings. In this context, casein, a milk-derived protein, shows potential as a structural component, with the ability to release bioactive peptides (e.g., apple peel extract) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties³.