Chitin Extraction from Cuttlebone and its Formulation into Topical Burn Gel

Introduction: Burns represent a large number of skin injuries. They have a wide variety of factors and they impose financial expenses and psychological damage. Wound infection control is one of the major problems in thermal injuries. The skin, that is the body’s main barrier against the preparation of bacteria, will be damaged during burn. In addition to causing pain, irritation, and inflammation, the beautiful appearance of the skin will also be lost. The present study was undertaken to prepare topical gel from a cheap and discarded substance to heal and improve burn wounds faster. Methods and Materials: In this study, first, chitin was extracted from squid fish bone. Then, 3 gel bases were prepared using 1% of Carbomer P940 and HPMC (cP4000) gel in three ratios of 2: 1.1: 1.1: 2. The active ingredient was placed in the gel base with three different percent’s including 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5% .Finally, the final formulation was selected and evaluated based on the compatibility of the active ingredient. Results: Primary base HPMC and carbomer (2: 1) containing 1.5% of active ingredient was found to be suitable. The final formulation had an acceptable pH and viscosity and its physicochemical control tests were successful. Discussion and Conclusion: Squid fish bone which is a cheap, available and discarded substance can be prepared as a suitable topical formulation to accelerate the healing of burn wounds.