System for the preparation of composite hydrogels with titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing

Abstract

A system for producing composite hydrogels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing applications, comprising: an algal extraction unit configured to extract fatty acids from dried red algae powder containing Ceramium Diaphanum; a hydrogel manufacturing unit configured for the synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices by freeze-thaw crosslinking; and a thermocycling unit connected to the hydrogel manufacturing unit and configured to subject the hydrogel matrices to controlled freeze-thaw cycles, wherein the thermocycling unit is configured to facilitate molecular rearrangement and enhance intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix through controlled temperature management.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for producing composite hydrogels composed of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing. More specifically, the present invention relates to the synthesis of composite hydrogels that combine the synergistic benefits of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extracts for advanced wound healing applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wound healing remains a critical challenge in medical research, especially for complex wound types such as diabetic and chronic wounds. Conventional wound healing approaches often fail to simultaneously address multiple aspects of tissue repair, including bacterial inhibition, cell proliferation, and inflammation modulation. There is a need for advanced biomaterials that can effectively promote tissue regeneration while simultaneously controlling infections.

[0003] Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 - NPs) have demonstrated great potential as wound healing materials due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, high biocompatibility, and ability to accelerate wound healing through the production of important growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, and various cytokines. Studies have shown that TiO2 nanoparticles promote re-epithelialization, fibroblast migration, and angiogenesis, thus improving wound closure.

[0004] At the same time, red algae extracts have been shown to be a rich source of bioactive compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides and essential fatty acids with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Marine algae polysaccharides exert immunomodulatory effects and, by absorbing excess exudate, provide optimal hydration for rapid wound healing.

[0005] While TiO2 nanoparticles and algal extracts have been investigated separately in the state of the art, there remains a gap in the development of integrated synthesis systems that can effectively combine these materials into composite hydrogels. Current synthesis approaches lack the systematic integration of extraction, processing, and cross-linking units to reliably produce multifunctional biomaterials for wound healing.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive system to systematically synthesize composite hydrogels by combining the synergistic benefits of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extracts for advanced wound healing applications. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a system for producing composite hydrogels made from titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing. The present invention provides a comprehensive system for producing composite hydrogels made from titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing. The system comprises three main units: an algae extraction unit for obtaining fatty acids from Ceramium diaphanum, a hydrogel production unit for synthesizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices, and a thermocycling unit for controlled freeze-thaw crosslinking. The system enables the systematic production of multifunctional wound healing biomaterials with enhanced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerating properties.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a system for producing composite hydrogels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing. The system comprises: an algae extraction unit configured to extract fatty acids from dried red algae powder containing Ceramium diaphanum; a hydrogel manufacturing unit configured to synthesize polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices using freeze-thaw crosslinking; and a thermocycling unit connected to the hydrogel manufacturing unit and configured to subject the hydrogel matrices to controlled freeze-thaw cycles, wherein the thermocycling unit is configured to facilitate molecular rearrangement and enhance intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix through controlled temperature management.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for preparing composite hydrogels comprising titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing applications.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated system that systematically combines titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract into composite hydrogels for advanced wound healing applications.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide consistent production of composite hydrogels with optimal physical properties and therapeutic efficacy through precise temperature management and crosslinking protocols.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a formulation system that can produce multiple hydrogel compositions with different PVA concentrations while maintaining standardized nanoparticle and fatty acid ratios for tailored wound healing treatments.

[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to perform real-time evaluation of hydrogel properties, including morphological structure, pH, and spreadability, for quality assurance and therapeutic optimization.

[0014] Another objective of the present disclosure is to demonstrate the potential of the prepared composite hydrogel by performing acute dermal toxicity on Wistar rats, the results of which showed no significant skin irritation and a Draize score of zero indicated the safety of the hydrogel for topical application.

[0015] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for producing composite hydrogels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing applications according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for convenience and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method by key steps to enhance understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, with respect to device construction, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols. The drawing may show only the specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the present disclosure in order not to clutter the drawing with details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0018] To facilitate understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and a clear description will be given. However, the scope of the invention is not limited thereby. Changes and further modifications to the illustrated system, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention, are possible, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0019] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

[0020] References in this specification to "one aspect," "another aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the language "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may or may not refer to the same embodiment.

[0021] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method comprising a list of steps may include not only those steps, but also additional steps not expressly listed or inherent in that process or method. Likewise, the statement "comprises" for one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components does not exclude, without further limitation, the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, or additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system (100) for producing composite hydrogels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing applications according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to Fig.1, the system (100) comprises: an algal extraction unit (102) configured to extract fatty acids from dried red algae powder containing Ceramium diaphanum; a hydrogel manufacturing unit (104) configured to synthesize polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices using freeze-thaw crosslinking; and a thermocycling unit (106) connected to the hydrogel manufacturing unit (104) and configured to subject the hydrogel matrices to controlled freeze-thaw cycles, wherein the thermocycling unit (106) is configured to facilitate molecular rearrangement and enhance intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix through controlled temperature management.

[0026] In one embodiment, the extraction unit (102) comprises: a methanol extraction chamber configured to contain seaweed powder in methanol solution and connected to an orbital shaker that stirs the methanol-seaweed mixture; a filtration device with Whatman filter paper configured to remove solid particles from the stirred methanol-seaweed mixture; a rotary evaporator operated at 40°C for solvent removal and configured to evaporate the filtrate obtained from the filtered, stirred methanol-seaweed mixture to obtain a dried residue; and a fatty acid extraction chamber configured to extract fatty acids from dried red algae powder (seaweed) using a 1:2 chloroform-methanol solvent system and adding a solution of sodium hydroxide (0.5%) to the organic extract.5 M), potassium hydrogen sulfate (10 %) and phenanthrene (2 %) is added.

[0027] In one embodiment, the hydrogel manufacturing unit (104) comprises: a heating system (104a) that maintains the temperature at 70-80 °C; a mechanical stirring device (104b) that ensures the uniform mixing of PVA powder with titanium dioxide nanoparticle suspension; a molding system (104c) that receives the combined mixture of nanoparticles, PVA, and fatty acid solution; and a chamber (104d) for preparing the combined mixture in conjunction with the heating system (104a) and the mechanical stirring device (104b), which enables the preparation of a suspension of fatty acid, TiO2 nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), wherein the chamber (104d) first enables the preparation of a homogeneous mixture of PVA powder with TiO2 nanoparticle solution and then facilitates the addition of the fatty acid solution to the nanoparticle-PVA suspension to obtain a combined mixture, which is then transferred to the molding system (104c).

[0028] In one embodiment, the thermal cycle unit (106) connected to the hydrogel manufacturing unit (104) comprises: a freezing chamber (106a) configured to maintain the temperature at -20°C for 24 hours, in which the molds prepared by the molding system (104d) are kept at the maintained temperature; a cooling system (106b) configured for temporarily storing the frozen molds; a thawing chamber (106c) configured to maintain the room temperature for 5 hours; and a control system (106d) configured to operate and manage the temperature and conditions of the freezing chamber (106a), the cooling system (106b), and the thawing chamber (106c) to repeat the freezing-thawing cycle four times in a row.

[0029] In one embodiment, the hydrogel manufacturing unit (104) is configured to produce four different formulations with different PVA concentrations ranging from 2.5 g to 10 g, while keeping the titanium dioxide nanoparticles constant at 0.1 g and the fatty acids at 0.5 ml.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a characterization unit (108) configured to evaluate physical properties of the composite hydrogels, the characterization unit (108) comprising: a visual inspection device configured to assess color and homogeneity, a pH measurement system configured to determine the acidity of the hydrogel, and a spreadability testing device configured to measure the spreading diameter when applying a standardized weight.

[0031] In one embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a microscopy unit (110) equipped with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment to analyze the three-dimensional porous network structure and the distribution of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix.

[0032] The present invention relates to a system for producing composite hydrogels used to produce advanced biomaterials for wound healing through a coordinated sequence of extraction, synthesis, and cross-linking processes. The algal extraction unit initiates the process by extracting bioactive fatty acids from dried Ceramium diaphanum powder through a sophisticated methanol extraction process. The extraction chamber contains the algal powder in methanol solution, while an orbital shaker provides continuous stirring for 48 hours to ensure complete compound extraction. The stirred mixture is filtered through Whatman filter paper to remove solids. The solvent is then evaporated in a rotary evaporator at 40°C to prevent thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds.

[0033] The extracted material is further refined in a special fatty acid extraction chamber using a 1:2 chloroform-methanol solvent system. This chamber contains sodium hydroxide, potassium hydrogen sulfate, and phenanthrene solutions for enhanced purification and separation of the fatty acids. The refined fatty acid extract serves as an important bioactive component, imparting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to the finished hydrogel.

[0034] The hydrogel preparation unit receives the extracted fatty acids and combines them with titanium dioxide nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol to form the composite matrix. The unit operates with a controlled heating system that maintains temperatures between 70 and 80 °C, ensuring optimal polymer dissolution and nanoparticle dispersion. A mechanical stirrer provides continuous agitation to achieve uniform mixing of the PVA powder with the titanium dioxide nanoparticle suspension. The combined mixing chamber allows for the sequential addition of the components. This initially creates a homogeneous mixture of PVA and nanoparticles before the fatty acid solution is added to complete the composite formulation.

[0035] The molding system receives the prepared composite mixture and shapes it into predefined configurations suitable for subsequent crosslinking. The versatility of the system allows the production of four different formulations with varying PVA concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 grams. The titanium dioxide nanoparticle content of 0.1 grams and the fatty acid volume of 0.5 milliliters are kept constant across all formulations.

[0036] The thermocycling unit performs the critical cross-linking process that transforms the composite mixture into a stable hydrogel matrix. The unit consists of a freezing chamber that maintains precise temperatures of -20°C for 24 hours, allowing the molded samples to crystallize in a controlled manner. A refrigeration system enables intermediate storage, while a thawing chamber maintains room temperature for five hours during the thawing phase of each cycle. The control system orchestrates the entire thermocycling process, controlling temperature transitions and timing to ensure the completion of four consecutive freeze-thaw cycles.

[0037] This repeated freeze-thaw protocol facilitates molecular rearrangement within the polymer matrix, strengthening intermolecular interactions and creating a robust three-dimensional network structure. The controlled temperature cycles promote physical crosslinking without the use of chemical crosslinkers. The result is biocompatible hydrogels suitable for wound healing.

[0038] The system offers additional characterization capabilities through dedicated units that evaluate the physical and morphological properties of the synthesized hydrogels. A characterization unit assesses color, homogeneity, pH, and spreadability to ensure consistent product quality. A scanning electron microscopy unit analyzes the internal structure, porosity, and nanoparticle distribution within the hydrogel matrix, providing detailed insights into the microarchitecture and therapeutic potential of the material.

[0039] In one embodiment, the algae extraction unit operates with a methanol extraction chamber containing 5 g of dried algae powder in 50 ml of methanol solution. The chamber is connected to an orbital shaker, which shakes the methanol-algae mixture for 48 hours to enable complete extraction of the bioactive compounds. The stirred mixture is passed through a filtration device with Whatman filter paper, which removes solid particles from the extracted solution. The filtered extract is then transferred to a rotary evaporator at 40°C for solvent removal. The evaporator carefully removes methanol while preventing thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds, resulting in a dried residue. This residue is further processed in the fatty acid extraction chamber, which enables extraction using a 1:2 chloroform-methanol solvent system.The chamber contains 9 ml of the chloroform-methanol mixture, followed by 12 ml of chloroform and 24 ml of deionized water, allowing for the formation of distinct separation layers. The fatty acid extraction chamber is configured to incorporate sodium hydroxide (0.5 M), potassium hydrogen sulfate (10%), and phenanthrene (2%) into the organic extract. The system allows for thorough agitation until two distinct layers form. The top layer remains as the final fatty acid extract for subsequent hydrogel synthesis.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hydrogel production unit synthesizes polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices through the coordinated interaction of its integrated components. The heating system maintains the temperature at 70–80 °C, while the mechanical stirrer ensures uniform mixing of PVA powder with the titanium dioxide nanoparticle suspension. The system is configured to produce four different formulations with varying PVA concentrations ranging from 2.5 g to 10 g, keeping the titanium dioxide nanoparticle concentrations constant at 0.1 g and the fatty acid concentrations at 0.5 ml. The combined mixing chamber, in conjunction with the heating system and the mechanical stirrer, facilitates the preparation of the composite suspension. The chamber initially enables the formation of a homogeneous mixture of PVA powder and TiO2 nanoparticle solution through gradual addition and continuous stirring.The fatty acid solution obtained from the extraction unit is then added to the nanoparticle-PVA suspension to create the final mixed mixture. The molding system receives the mixed mixture from the preparation chamber and forms it into predetermined shapes for subsequent cross-linking. After molding, the samples are transferred to the thermocycling unit for freeze-thaw cross-linking. The thermocycling unit, which is connected to the hydrogel preparation unit, operates with coordinated temperature control across multiple chambers. The freezing chamber maintains the temperature at -20°C for 24 hours and houses the prepared molds under the predetermined temperature conditions. After the initial freezing phase, the cooling system temporarily stores the frozen molds before they are transferred to the thawing chamber. The thawing chamber maintains room temperature for five hours, allowing for controlled thawing of the hydrogel matrices.The control system regulates the temperature and conditions in the freezing chamber, cooling system, and thawing chamber to repeat the freeze-thaw cycle four times consecutively. This systematic thermocycling cycle promotes molecular rearrangement and strengthens intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix through controlled temperature management. The precise operation of the thermocycling unit ensures optimal physical crosslinking and enables the system to produce robust hydrogel structures with improved mechanical and functional properties suitable for wound healing applications. Table 1: Composition of the different formulations of the composite hydrogel Ingredients F1 F2 F3 F4 TiO2 nanoparticles (g) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Fatty acids (ml) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 PVA (g) 2.5 5 7.5 10 D / W (ml) 100

[0041] The produced hydrogel undergoes characterization. This includes a physical evaluation, including visual inspection, pH determination, and spreading tests. The color and homogeneity of all hydrogels were visually assessed. The pH value of the produced hydrogel was checked. To determine the spreading ability of the hydrogel, 0.5 g was placed between two slides, subjected to a 500 g weight for five minutes, and the diameter of the spread circle was measured in centimeters.

[0042] In one embodiment, an acute dermal toxicity study was conducted to evaluate the potential of the prepared hydrogel composite. Skin irritation tests were conducted on five male Wistar rats with a body weight between 250 and 300 g. The test animals were individually housed and prepared by carefully clipping the hair in the dorsal region, creating a circular depilation area with a diameter of approximately 20 cm. After a 24-hour acclimation period, the formulated hydrogel was evenly applied to the prepared skin area. The test material was fixed with sterile gauze and hypoallergenic adhesive tape and remained in direct skin contact for a standardized period of one hour. After the contact time, the application site was gently rinsed with sterile distilled water to remove any material residue.Systematic dermatological examinations were conducted at critical time intervals: immediately after application, and subsequently after 24, 48, and 72 hours. Each observation focused on detecting potential signs of skin irritation, including erythema, edema, inflammation, or other macroscopic tissue changes. This methodical approach ensured a comprehensive assessment of the hydrogel's dermatological tolerance and potential irritant properties. The experimental protocol complied with recognized scientific standards for in vivo skin irritation testing and enabled a rigorous evaluation of the hydrogel's dermatological safety profile. Eighteen male Wistar rats weighing 120 to 200 g were used to evaluate the potential of the prepared hydrogel composite. The animals were systematically divided into two groups of six rats per experimental cohort.Before wound induction, the animals were anesthetized with pentobarbital at a standardized dose of 40 mg / kg body weight. The dorsal area was prepared by carefully cutting the fur in a circular pattern with a diameter of 50 mm using a sterile razor blade. The depilated area was then disinfected with 70% ethanol. The wound edges were precisely delineated with an ammonium oxalate violet marker to ensure standardized wound creation. The excisional wounds were carefully created using sterile surgical instruments such as dental forceps, surgical blades, and sharp scissors. Each wound had a standardized diameter of 10 mm. After wound creation, 20 µl of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) inoculum was carefully applied to specifically induce bacterial infection.After a 48-hour incubation period, characterized by visible pus formation, therapeutic measures began. The test group received the formulated hydrogel, while the standard group was treated with clindamycin gel. The treatment protocol was consistently followed for 14 days to evaluate wound healing and antimicrobial efficacy.

[0043] A comparative evaluation of four hydrogel formulations revealed differences in physicochemical properties, particularly in spreadability. All formulations exhibited a uniform white appearance and good homogeneity. Formulation F1 exhibited the highest spreadability (5.1 ± 0.1 cm) and the lowest pH (5.23 ± 0.058), indicating superior mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. Small pH fluctuations (5.23–5.93) between the formulations may influence biological interactions. Overall, F1 emerged as the most promising formulation for biomedical applications due to its optimal spreadability profile. Table 2: Hydrogel characterization based on different variables Formulations Look Color homogeneity pH Spreadability (cm) F1 White NO Good 5.23 ±0.058 5.1 ± 0.1 F2 White NO Good 5.46 ±0.057 4.93 ± 0.058 F3 White NO Good 5.86 ±0.056 4.43 ± 0.054 F4 White NO Good 5.93 ±0.053 4.63 ± 0.056

[0044] SEM analysis revealed a porous 3D hydrogel network with well-dispersed TiO2 nanoparticles, supporting cell infiltration and nutrient exchange. Acute dermal toxicity tests on Wistar rats showed no irritation, thus confirming its topical safety. In an excisional wound model, the hydrogel significantly accelerated healing, reducing wound size from 49 mm to 14 mm within 12 days, comparable to clindamycin gel. Histopathological examinations showed reduced inflammation and improved tissue regeneration. The combination of TiO2 nanoparticles and red algae extract demonstrated potent wound healing potential through bacterial inhibition, cell proliferation, and inflammation control.

[0045] The drawings and the foregoing description illustrate examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements may well be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be separated into multiple functional elements. Elements of one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the manner described herein. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be performed in the order shown; nor do all actions need to be performed. Also, actions that are not dependent on other actions may be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples.Numerous variations, whether explicitly stated in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimensions, and use of materials, are possible. The scope of the embodiments is at least as broad as indicated in the following claims.

[0046] Advantages, further benefits, and solutions to problems have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, advantages, solutions to problems, and any components that may result in or enhance an advantage, advantage, or solution are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all of the claims. REFERENCES 100 System for the preparation of composite hydrogels with titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing. 102 Algae extraction plant 104 Hydrogel Manufacturing Unit 104a Heating system 104b mechanical stirring device 104c mold system 104d combined mixture preparation chamber 106 Thermocycling Unit 106a Freezing chamber 106b Refrigeration system 106c Thawing chamber 106d control system 108 Characterization Unit 110 Microscopy unit

Claims

[1] A system for producing composite hydrogels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and red algae extract for wound healing applications, comprising: an algal extraction unit configured to extract fatty acids from dried red algae powder containing Ceramium Diaphanum; a hydrogel manufacturing unit configured for the synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices by freeze-thaw crosslinking; and a thermocycling unit connected to the hydrogel manufacturing unit and configured to subject the hydrogel matrices to controlled freeze-thaw cycles, wherein the thermocycling unit is configured to facilitate molecular rearrangement and enhance intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix through controlled temperature management. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the extraction unit comprises: a methanol extraction chamber configured to contain seaweed powder in a methanol solution, the chamber connected to an orbital shaker configured to agitate the methanol-seaweed mixture; a Whatman filter paper filter device designed to remove solid particles from a stirred methanol-seaweed mixture; a rotary evaporator operated at 40 °C for solvent removal and configured to evaporate the filtrate obtained from the filtered, stirred methanol-seaweed mixture to obtain a dried residue; and a fatty acid extraction chamber configured to facilitate the extraction of fatty acids from dried red algae powder (seaweed) by using a 1:2 chloroform-methanol solvent system and incorporating sodium hydroxide (0.5 M), potassium hydrogen sulfate (10%), and phenanthrene (2%) into the organic extract. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the hydrogel manufacturing unit comprises: a heating system that maintains the temperature at 70-80 °C; a mechanical stirring device configured to ensure uniform mixing of the PVA powder with the titanium dioxide nanoparticle suspension; a molding system configured to receive the combined mixture of nanoparticles, PVA, and fatty acid solution; and a combined mixture preparation chamber in conjunction with a heating system and a mechanical stirrer, configured to facilitate the preparation of a suspension of fatty acid, TiO2 nanoparticles, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), wherein the chamber first facilitates the preparation of a homogeneous mixture of PVA powder with a TiO2 nanoparticle solution and then facilitates the addition of a fatty acid solution to the nanoparticle-PVA suspension to obtain a combined mixture, which is then transferred to the molding system. [4] The system of claim 1, wherein the thermal cycle unit connected to the hydrogel manufacturing unit comprises: a freezing chamber configured to maintain the temperature at -20 °C for 24 hours, in which the molds prepared by the molding system are kept at the maintained temperature; a cooling system for the temporary storage of the frozen molds; a thawing chamber configured to maintain room temperature for 5 hours; and a control system configured to operate and manage the temperature and conditions of the freezing chamber, the refrigeration system, and the thawing chamber to repeat the freezing-thawing cycle four times in a row. [5] The system according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel manufacturing unit is configured to produce four different formulations with different PVA concentrations ranging from 2.5 g to 10 g, while keeping the titanium dioxide nanoparticles constant at 0.1 g and the fatty acids at 0.5 ml. [6] The system of claim 1, further comprising a characterization unit configured to evaluate the physical properties of the composite hydrogels, the characterization unit comprising: a visual inspection device configured to assess color and homogeneity, a pH measurement system configured to determine the acidity of the hydrogel, and a spreadability testing device configured to measure the spreading diameter upon application of a standardized weight. [7] The system of claim 1, further comprising a microscopy unit equipped with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment to analyze the three-dimensional porous network structure and the distribution of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix.

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