Wound dressings based on chitosan/gelatin/MgO composite films

Abstract

The microporous films comprised of chitosan (CS), gelatin (Gel) and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were developed as a wound-healing material using the lyophilization technique. The chemical structure, composition and morphology of the films were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, EDX and SEM. Also, the swelling, mechanical, biodegradation, cell viability, antimicrobial property, bioactivity and cell migration capability of the porous films were determined to evaluate their suitability as a wound-dressing material. The average diameter of pores and porosity of the films were in the range of 73 − 103 μm and 57 − 78%, respectively, based on the content of MgO NPs. Compared to control CS/Gel film, the CS/Gel/MgO films presented improved swelling behavior, mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity against the strains of bacteria and fungi and controlled in vitro degradation. Among the developed films, CS/Gel/MgO films containing 1 wt. % of MgO NPs demonstrated an increased biocompatibility, bioactivity and cell migration ability. These results indicated that the porous films based on CS/Gel/MgO could be a competent dermal substitute for wound healing application.