Biofunctionalization of chitosan/gelatin composite films reinforced Phyllanthus niruri extract for wound healing application

Abstract

To ensure public health comfort and safety, developing biofunctionalized wound dressing films using natural extract and optimizing their efficiency are gaining great interest in the field of biomaterials rather than synthetic drug-loaded film. In this regard, the preparation and evaluation of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri (PN) incorporated chitosan/gelatin composite films (CGP) using solvent casting method for wound healing application were proposed. Initially, FT-IR and XRD analysis has shown the existence of secondary interactions between PN extract and chitosan/gelatin matrix. SEM and mechanical test results of CGP composites depicted smooth, crack-free surfaces and amplified mechanical strength (∼466.6%) respectively. The swelling study, water vapor transmission rate, surface wettability, and in-vitro degradation assay results illustrated a modest but, slightly decreasing trend with an increase in the inclusion of PN extract. Cytotoxicity assay and morphological study of cells on CGP composites revealed their non-toxicity (>82% viability) and biocompatible nature. Films containing higher PN extract showed increased antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial strains E. coli (∼142.8%) and S. aureus (∼200%). In addition, in-vitro scratch test and cell adhesion demonstrated enhanced wound healing (∼60.39%), and cell adhesion in 24 h proved its cytocompatibility and promising potential to be applied as antibacterial wound healing material.