Fabrication of sustainable, antioxidant, and antibacterial PVA nanomembranes loaded with plant extracts for dermal applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology is unfolding its enormous abilities due to its unique attributes, such as large surface area, increased entrapment sites, and high surface energy. Similarly, nanotechnology-based products are replacing conventional ones due to their superior effectiveness. We have developed a dry, biocompatible, anti-oxidative, and antibacterial electrospun nanomembranes loaded with Cucumber (C. Sativus) and Aloe vera (A.B Miller) extract into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that can be utilized as dermal/skin patch. Various physiochemical characterizations are performed, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), drug release, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity on the developed membranes to ensure their productivity. Optimal nanofiber diameters were determined to be 396 nm and 371 nm at 8% wt./wt. and 100% extract concentration. The average particle size of extracts was 155 & 177 nm, as determined by the Zeta sizer. The hydrophilicity of all developed nanomembranes is confirmed by having a water contact angle (WCA) of <60° and water absorption exceeding 550%. In addition, the nanomembranes exhibit burst drug release of > 72%, excellent biocompatibility, up to 92.8% cell viability, 86% anti-oxidative activity, and 99.8% effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Lastly, nanomembranes can withstand a tensile strength of 53.88 N, an elongation of 1.72%, and an air permeability of 16.98 mm/sec, making them an ideal choice for multipurpose cosmetic/skin patches.