Extended investigation of Ficus religiosa based PVA electrospun nanofiber for cosmeceutical application

Abstract

The compositionalcharacteristics, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)containing Ficus religiosaleaf extract (FR) at 5 % and10 wt%fabricated through electrospinning technique were examined. The mechanicaland water vapour permeability of PVA was enhanced by adding a 5 % loading of leaves extract, i.e., 80 % and 30 %, respectively. The nanofibers' antioxidant and antibacterial activities were improved by adding 5 %and 10 % loaded FR leaves extract. The colour of the nanofiberswas also marginally altered by adding more FR extract. The inclusion of extractincreased the thermal stability of films by 20 %. Improvements in the interfacial contacts between the leaves extract andPVA were carried about by the functional groups and binding characteristics of the PVA's extractedsurface and macromolecular structures. Increases in FR extractcontent impact the PVA matrix's distribution mechanism. This study demonstrated the advantages of adding Ficus religiosa leaves extractto PVA nanofibersand the possibilities for using them as the active material for cosmeceutical applications like skin enhancement or skin healing.