Gel production from plant matter

摘要

The invention relates to a medicinal composition comprising a gel material obtainable from a hemicellulosic starting medium, said gel material being substantially free of glucans and pectins and comprising a polysaccharide network which comprises: a matrix of polysaccharide chain segments; and a multiplicity of cross-linking ferulate bridges bonded at substantially regular intervals along said cross-linked segments. The medicinal composition can be, for example: (a) a topical formulation; or (b) a wound dressing (e.g. for the treatment of burns); or (c) a debriding agent; or (d) a carrier for iron or zinc; or (e) a lubricant; or (f) a thickener for parenteral compositions; or (g) an encapsulating agent; or (h) a slow release vehicle for drug delivery (either for oral, parenteral or anal delivery); or (i) for use for implants and prosthesis purposes for orthopaedic purposes (such as pressure-relief gels); or (j) for ocular use; or (k) for suppository use.ke