Antibacterial and self-healing sepiolite-based hybrid hydrogel for hemostasis and wound healing.

The process of wound healing necessitates a specific environment, thus prompting extensive research into the utilization of hydrogels for this purpose. While numerous hydrogel structures have been investigated, the discovery of a self-healing hydrogel possessing favorable biocompatibility, exceptional mechanical properties, and effective hemostatic and antibacterial performance remains uncommon. In this work, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid hydrogel was meticulously designed through a simple reaction, wherein CuxO anchored sepiolite was incorporated into the hydrogel. The results indicate that introduction of sepiolite greatly improves the toughness, self-healing and adhesion properties of the PVA hydrogels. CuxO nanoparticles endow the hydrogels with excellent antibacterial performance towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The application of hybrid hydrogels for fast hemostasis and wound healing are verified in vitro and in vivo with rat experiments. This work thereby demonstrates an effective strategy for designing biodegradable hemostatic and wound healing materials.

Comparing iodized oil with polyvinyl alcohol for portal vein embolization in promoting liver remnant increase before partial hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: To compare the efficacy and safety of iodized oil versus polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles in portal vein embolization (PVE) before partial hepatectomy. METHODS: From October 2016 to December 2021, 86 patients who planned to undergo hepatectomy after PVE were enrolled, including 61 patients post-PVE with PVA particles + coils and 25 patients post-PVE with iodized oil + coils. All patients underwent CT examination before and 2-3 weeks after PVE to evaluate the future liver remnant (FLR). The intercohort comparison included the degree of liver volume growth, changes in laboratory data, and adverse events. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the resection rate between the iodized oil group and the PVA particle group (68 % vs. 70 %, p = 0.822). In terms of the degree of hypertrophy (9.52 % ± 13.47 vs. 4.03 % ± 10.55, p = 0.047) and kinetic growth rate (4.07 % ± 5.4 vs. 1.55 % ± 4.63, p = 0.032), the iodized oil group was superior to the PVA group. The PVE operation time in the PVA particle group was shorter than that in the iodized oil group (121. 72 min ± 34.45 vs. 156. 2 min ± 71.58, p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the degree of hypertrophy between the high bilirubin group and the control group (5.32 % ± 9.21 vs. 6.1 % ± 14.79, p = 0.764). Only 1 patient had a major complication. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PVA particles, iodized oil PVE can significantly increase liver volume and the degree of hypertrophy without any significant difference in safety.

Attempt to identify antimicrobial Tridax procumbens (TP) mechanical properties using experimental work coupled with FEM model for biomedical applications.

Medicinal plants play a prodigious role in the wound-healing process. Tridax procumbens (TP) has been proven to show strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and could heal skin infections. Identifying mechanical properties of TP in his solid state and mixed with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) have never been studied before. In this study, fresh TP liquid extracts blended with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) biofilm were developed through the solution casting method. The casted film was tested for tensile strength through the Universal Tensile Tester (UTT), and the results were compared with the Finite Element Numerical Model (FEM) through the FEM code developed on the ANSYS solver. The experimental mean tensile test results for pure CMC were found as follows: tensile stress at the maximum of 15.31 MPa, modulus of elasticity of 7,24 GPa, the density of 1,62 g/cm3, and Poisson's ratio of 0.22. The experimental mean tensile test results for pure CMC/TP 50% were as follows: tensile stress at the maximum of 26.2 MPa, modulus of elasticity of 2.092 GPa, and density of 1.276 g/cm3. After several iterations, the following results were found for pure TP: modulus of elasticity of 0.225 GPa, a density of 0.93 g/cm3, and Poisson's ratio of 0.4 through FEM using inverse method technique. The experimental results were compared with the FEM solutions, which were found to be very close to the experimental results. The TP/CMC bio-membrane could be applied as a good wound dressing in biomedical applications. Mechanical properties found in this paper can contribute to the valorization of TP usage in several medical curing films applications.

Enhanced photocatalytic efficiencies in a bifunctional ZnO/PVA nanocomposites derived from Capparis zeylanica L.

The modern food sector demands versatile nanocomposites of polymers for food to wrappers to inactivate germs linked to foods in order to ensure quality throughout the packaging process. Recently, it has become quite appealing to use zinc oxide nanocomposite with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) assistance for food storage containers. Variable combinations of zinc acetate and Capparis zeylanica leaf extract (3:1, 1:7, 1:3, and 1:1) were used to create nanostructured ZnO at the desired pH (10.5). ZnO/PVA nanocomposites films were created with different weight % of (16, 13, 9 and 5%) ZnO nanoparticles by using solution casting method. The generated ZnO and ZnO/PVA nanocomposites (NCs) were characterized using analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared analysis (FT-IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopic study (FE-SEM). The generated ZnO and ZnO/PVA NCs were tested for their efficacy as antibacterial agents against Gram + ve (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram -ve (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli) bacteria. Under UV-visible irradiation, the methylene blue (MB) breakdown caused by the fabricated undoped ZnO and ZnO/PVA nanomixture was investigated. The FE-SEM investigation for synthesized ZnO from a 1:1 ratio exhibited spherical shaped appearance. However, the nanocomposite made with 5% ZnO showed equally scattered nanoflake particles in the matrix of PVA film as well as on the surface. The XRD results showed that ZnO synthesized with a higher proportion of plant extract produced smaller crystallites, whereas ZnO synthesized with a lower percentage of plant extract produced bigger crystallite sizes. The optimum concentration for the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) among the various concentrations examined was 5% ZnO/PVA. Furthermore, a study of the biomedical efficiency of undoped ZnO and ZnO/PVA revealed that 5% ZnO/PVA had the potential antibacterial efficacies.

Basella alba stem extract integrated poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan composite films: A promising bio-material for wound healing.

Natural extract-based bio-composite material for wound healing is gaining much attention due to risk of infection and high cost of commercial wound dressing film causes serious problem on the human well-being. Herein, the study outlines the preparation of Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan/Basella alba stem extract (BAE) based bio-composite film through solvent casting technique and well characterized for wound healing application. Incorporation of BAE into Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan matrix has shown existence of secondary interactions confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Good morphology, thermal stability and significant improvement in flexibility (∼63.38 %) of the films were confirmed by SEM, TGA and Mechanical test results, respectively. Hydrophilic property (∼9.04 %), water vapor transmission rate (∼70.07 %), swelling ability (∼14.7 %) and degradation rate (∼14.04 %) were enhanced with increase in BAE content. In-vitro studies have shown good antibacterial activity against foremost infectious bacterial strains S. aureus and E. coli. Additionally, BAE integrated Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan film has amplified anti-inflammatory (∼79.38 %) property, hemocompatibility and excellent biocompatibility (94.9 %) was displayed by cytotoxicity results. Moreover, in-vitro scratch assay and cell adhesion test results illustrated prominent wound healing (96.5 %) and adhesion. Overall results of the present work proclaim that developed bio-composite film could be utilized as a biomaterial in wound care applications.

Wound healing performance of PVA/PCL based electrospun nanofiber incorporated green synthetized CuNPs and Quercus infectoria extracts.

In this study, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthetized through green chemistry approach using C. officinalis flowers extract. The biosynthetized nanoparticles were characterized by FESEM, XRD, DLS and FTIR analysis. Subsequently, PCL nanofiber was fabricated as first supportive layer by electrospinning method. Afterward, PVA/Quercus infectoria galls (QLG) extracts/biosynthetized CuNPs blending solution was electrospinned as second bioactive topical layer. The morphology, physicochemical properties and biological characteristics of the produced PCL, PCL/PVA, PCL/PVA/CuNPs, PCL/PVA/QLG and PCL/PVA/QLG/CuNPs were investigated. Eventually, in vivo wound healing effectiveness was examined. Histologic investigation was carried out for visualization of the healing wounds architecture in different treated groups. FESEM, XRD and DLS assays confirmed the successful synthesis of CuNPs in range of 40-70 nm and FTIR spectrum approve the presence of functional constituents of C. officinalis extract on synthesized CuNPs. The incorporation of CuNPs and QLG extract into PCL/PVA based nanofibers improved their biological capabilities and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, PCL/PVA/QLG/CuNPs illustrated significant wound healing potentials and excellent antibacterial function against at wounds infected with MRSA. Histological assay demonstrated complete wound healing and less inflammation on day 10th. These outcomes recommended the utilization of PCL/PVA/QLG/CuNPs as a novel promising wound dressings with considerable antibacterial features.

Antibacterial multicomponent electrospun nanofibrous mat through the synergistic effect of biopolymers.

The endeavor was to adopt a facile bi-layered approach to fabricate a novel PVA-chitosan-collagen-licorice nanofibrous mat (PCCLNM) with maintaining the spinning parameters and conditions to assess the synergistic antibacterial action of two biopolymers and having properties for repairing tissues. Bonding behavior, morphological orientation, antibacterial activity, and moisture management features of the electrospun nanofibrous mat were investigated using various characterization techniques. The FTIR analysis of the manufactured nanofibrous mat revealed characteristic peaks of licorice, chitosan, collagen, and PVA polymer, confirming the presence of all polymers in the sample. Additionally, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image attributes the development of nanofibers with an average diameter for top and bottom sides were 219 and 188 nm respectively. Furthermore, moisture management tests (MMT) confirm PCCLNM's slow absorption and drying capabilities. Apart from that, a disk diffusion method was used to investigate antibacterial activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which revealed a strong presence of antibacterial activity with a 20 mm zone of inhibition due to the chemical constituents of licorice and chitosan compound. The developed bio-nanocomposite could have a potential application as wound healing material.

Nigella/honey/garlic/olive oil co-loaded PVA electrospun nanofibers for potential biomedical applications.

The current work focuses on the formation of nanofibrous mats without the use of toxic solvents and metallic nanoparticles utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a blend of nigella, honey, garlic, and olive oil. Using deionized water (DI) water as a solvent, nanofibrous mats composed of PVA/nigella/honey (PNH) and PVA/garlic/honey/olive oil (PGHO) were developed. Methanol extraction was utilized to extract the therapeutic components of nigella sativa. Antibacterial and moisture management tests (MMT) were employed to examine the antibacterial and absorbance characteristics of the PNH and PGHO nanofibrous. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were employed to analyze the morphological and chemical characteristics. PGHO showed thermal stability up to 245 °C, and PNH withstands until 225 °C. PNH and PGHO both exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with inhibition zones of 36 mm and 35 mm, respectively. The synthesized materials exhibited excellent absorbance properties, thermal stability, cytotoxicity, and the production of thin nanofibers with an average diameter between 150 and 170 nm. The samples were characterized using FTIR spectra, which confirmed the presence of all components in the developed samples. To date, extensive research on electrospinning for biomedical applications has been undertaken using a variety of hazardous solvents and metallic nanoparticles. Briefly, our objective is to develop nanofibrous materials from plant extracts through a process called "green electrospinning" to observe the synergistic effect of multiple biocomponents incorporated nanofibers avoiding toxic solvents and metallic compounds for potential biomedical applications.

Study on swelling, compression property and degradation stability of PVA composite hydrogels for artificial nucleus pulposus.

Artificial nucleus pulposus (ANP) replacement as an alternative to the treatment of cervical spondylosis aims to relieve pain and restore the normal cervical motion. In this study, the PVA/PVP and PVA/Pectin composite hydrogels (CH)s with different concentrations were prepared by the freezing-thawing process, and their performances were tested. The effect of different concentrations on both kinds of PVA CHs were evaluated and analysed. The results demonstrated that both kinds of CHs had good swelling property (¿190%), compressive stress-strain characteristic response and stable performance, and they were not easy to degrade (¡9%). The elastic modulus of the PVA/PVP CH was close to that of nucleus pulposus prosthesis, and the weight loss ratio of the PVA/PVP CH was lower than that of PVA/Pectin CH under load condition. Further, the experimental results showed that the PVA/PVP CH with 15 wt% solute and 1 wt% PVP content had the best comprehensive performance, which may provide significant advantages for use in future clinical application in replacing nucleus pulposus.

Development of gelatin/PVA based colorimetric films with a wide pH sensing range winery solid by-product (Vinasse) for monitor shrimp freshness.

Anthocyanins were extracted from a winery solid by-product (Vinasse) and added to fish gelatin (FG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices to create freshness monitoring labels. Three different colorimetric indicator smart films [PWE = polyvinyl alcohol with wine extract (WE), FWE = fish gelatin with WE, and PFWE = polyvinyl alcohol and FG blended film with WE] were generated and examined for their suitability to monitor the freshness of shrimp. The mechanical and optical properties, ammonia sensitivity, and colorimetric analysis of smart films were determined. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate the interaction of anthocyanins with FG and PVA and changes in the film's chemical composition with storage. The film surfaces were characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The incorporation of WE enhanced the films' flexibility by providing plasticizer and surfactant properties. The PWE film showed the best color stability. The FWE film showed the least amount of total color change with exposure to ammonia gas and was deemed suitable for refrigerated food packaging. The color of all indicator films showed significant changes suggesting that PWE, FWE, and PFWE films can be utilized in the intelligent packaging application for protein-rich foods to detect spoilage.

Activity of Clove Oil and Chitosan Nanoparticles Incorporated PVA Nanocomposite Against Pythium aphanidermatum.

The loss of fresh produces owing to the microbial infestation is a major challenge to the global food industry. The drastic food loss caused mainly by the fungal attack demands the need for development of active packaging materials with antimicrobial properties. Many studies have already been reported on the applications of polymers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) engineered with antimicrobial components as active antifungal packaging materials. In the current study, material properties of PVA alone, PVA incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles (PCS), clove oil (PCO), and their combination (PCSCO) have been studied for its microbial barrier and antifungal properties. All the developed films were characterised by the XRD and FTIR analysis, which confirmed the molecular interactions among the individual components of the nanocomposite. At the same time, the bionanocomposite PCSCO was found to have low moisture content and film solubility indicating its suitability for the modified atmosphere packaging applications. In addition, the presence of chitosan nanoparticles and clove oil was found to provide the microbial barrier properties to the PCS, PCO, and PCSCO films. The PCSCO film was further demonstrated to have superior antifungal activity against the selected Pythium aphanidermatum. The results of the study indicate the potential application of developed nanocomposite film as a promising antifungal packaging material.

Development of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Kaolin Sponges Stimulated by Marjoram as Hemostatic, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Dressings for Wound Healing Promotion.

The predominant impediments to cutaneous wound regeneration are hemorrhage and bacterial infections that lead to extensive inflammation with lethal impact. We thus developed a series of composite sponges based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) inspired by marjoram essential oil and kaolin (PVA/marjoram/kaolin), adopting a freeze-thaw method to treat irregular wounds by thwarting lethal bleeding and microbial infections. Microstructure analyses manifested three-dimensional interconnected porous structures for PVA/marjoram/kaolin. Additionally, upon increasing marjoram and kaolin concentrations, the pore diameters of the sponges significantly increased, recording a maximum of 34 ± 5.8 µm for PVA-M0.5-K0.1. Moreover, the porosity and degradation properties of PVA/marjoram/kaolin sponges were markedly enhanced compared with the PVA sponge with high swelling capacity. Furthermore, the PVA/marjoram/kaolin sponges exerted exceptional antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, along with remarkable antioxidant properties. Moreover, PVA/marjoram/kaolin sponges demonstrated significant thrombogenicity, developing high thrombus mass and hemocompatibility, in addition to their remarkable safety toward fibroblast cells. Notably, this is the first study to our knowledge investigating the effectiveness of marjoram in a polymeric carrier for prospective functioning as a wound dressing. Collectively, the findings suggest the prospective usage of the PVA-M0.5-K0.1 sponge in wound healing for hemorrhage and bacterial infection control.

Application of self-healing, swellable and biodegradable polymers for wound treatment.

AIM: Self-healing, swellable and biodegradable polymers are vital materials that may facilitate the different stages of wound healing. The aim of this research was to prepare wound healing films using self-healing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), swellable hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures and ciprofloxacin antibiotic for improved treatment outcome. METHODS: Films were formulated through aqueous-based mixing of varying amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (10-20% weight/weight (w/w)) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (0.5, 1% w/w) with fixed quantities of ciprofloxacin. PGA sutures were placed as grids within the wet mixtures of the polymers and ciprofloxacin, and thereafter products were air dried. The formulated films were evaluated for swelling ratio, breaking elongation, folding endurance, moisture uptake and loss, compatibility and in vitro antibiotic release. Furthermore, in vivo wound healing was studied using excision model and histopathological examinations. RESULTS: Swelling ratios were above 1.0 and the films were minimally stretchable, with folding endurance greater than 500. Films were stable while moisture uptake and loss were observed to be less than 30%. Among the optimised hydrogel batches, those containing 10% w/w PVA and 1% w/w HPMC with no PGA showed the highest drug release of 73%, whereas the batches with higher PGA content showed higher percentage wound size reduction with minimal scar. The completeness of wound healing with batches containing PVA, HPMC, ciprofloxacin and PGA, along with the standard, is evident considering the massive cornification, regeneration of the epithelial front and stratum spinosum. CONCLUSION: The findings show that polymer-based multifunctional composite films are suitable for use as dressings for improved wound healing.

Development and characterization of PVA-starch incorporated with coconut shell extract and sepiolite clay as an antioxidant film for active food packaging applications.

An active antioxidant film was fabricated by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and corn starch (ST) and incorporated with and 3, 5, 10, and 20% (v/v) coconut shell extract (CSE) and sepiolite clay (SP) for the first time. The microstructure and physical properties of prepared films were characterized and examined. The addition of sepiolite clay to PVA improved the elongation break 15.57 to 69.24%, and water vapor permeability increased with the addition of CSE. In addition to CSE to films, the antioxidant activity properties of the films were enhanced up to 80%. Further, increasing the amount of CSE slightly affected the color of the active films. The thermal properties of films were enhanced with the addition of CSE and SP. The dispersion of SP in the PVA matrix was affected by an increase in CSE concentration in the PVA matrix. Remarkably, PVA-ST film-based sachets successfully improved the oxidative stability of packaged soybean oil. Our results suggest PVA-ST film containing CSE and sepiolite clay can be utilized as a novel antioxidant packaging material in the food processing industry.

Liposomal Encapsulation of Carvacrol to Obtain Active Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Films.

Lecithins of different origins and compositions were used for the liposomal encapsulation of carvacrol within the framework of the development of active films for food packaging. Liposomes were incorporated into aqueous polymeric solutions from fully (F) and partially (P) hydrolysed Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to obtain the films by casting. The particle size distribution and ζ-potential of the liposomal suspensions, as well as their stability over time, were evaluated. Liposomal stability during film formation was analysed through the carvacrol retention in the dried film and the film microstructure. Subtle variations in the size distributions of liposomes from different lecithins were observed. However, the absolute values of the ζ-potential were higher (-52, -57 mV) for soy lecithin (SL) liposomes, followed by those of soy lecithin enriched with phosphatidylcholine (SL-PC) (-43, -50 mV) and sunflower lecithin (SFL) (-33, -38 mV). No significant changes in the liposomal properties were observed during the study period. Lyotropic mesomorphism of lipid associations and carvacrol leakage occurred to differing extents during the film drying step, depending on the membrane lipid composition and surface charge. Liposomes obtained with SL-PC were the most effective at maintaining the stability of carvacrol emulsion during film formation, which led to the greatest carvacrol retention in the films, whereas SFL gave rise to the least stable system and the highest carvacrol losses. P-PVA was less sensitive to the emulsion destabilisation due to its greater bonding capacity with carvacrol. Therefore, P-PVA with carvacrol-loaded SL-PC liposomes has great potential to produce active films for food packaging applications.

Design and fabrication of electrospunMorinda citrifolia-based nanofibrous scaffold as skin wound dressing material:in vitroandin silicoanalysis.

Wound healing is an urgent problem that impacts quality of life, and the need for biomaterials suitable for the treatment of skin wound healing disease is increasing annually. Innovative biomaterials and treatments for skin abrasions are being relentlessly researched and established in order to improve treatment efficacy. Here, we describe a novel electrospun polymeric nanofibrous scaffold enriched with pharmaceutical bioactive materials extracted fromMorinda citrifolia(MC), which demonstrated efficient skin wound healing therapy due to its excellent human skin keratinocyte proliferation and adhesion inin vitroanalysis. Surface morphological analysis was used to reveal the nano-architectural structure of the electrospun scaffolds. The fabricated nanofibers displayed good antibacterial efficacy by creating an inhibitory zone for the pathogenic microbes studied. MC supported active healing due to the presence of pharmaceuticals associated with wound healing, as revealed by the results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) analysis. Since MC is a multi-potential therapeutic herbal plant, it was found that the linoleic acid, olelic acid, and diethyl phthalate present in the extract supported the wound healing proteins glycogen-synthase-kinase-3-ß-protein and Protein Data Bank-1Q5K with binding energies of -4.6, -5.2, and -5.9 kcal mol-1, as established by the results ofin silicoanalysis. Thus, by being hydrophilic in nature, targeting wound proteins, increasing the proliferation and adhesion of keratinocytes and combating pathogens, the nanofibrous scaffolds endowed with MC extract proved to be an effective therapeutic material for skin wound dressing applications.

Fabrication, Physical Characterizations, and In Vitro, In Vivo Evaluation of Ginger Extract-Loaded Gelatin/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Films Against Burn Wound Healing in Animal Model.

Crude ginger has been used to treat wounds since ancient times till nowadays. The present study aimed at designing and characterizing topical hydrogel films loaded with ginger extract for wound healing in animal model. The hydrogel films were prepared using PVA and gelatin. The prepared films were evaluated for FTIR analysis, surface morphology, pH, swelling behavior, in vitro release, and % drug content. The wound-healing activity of the extract-loaded hydrogel films was compared with commercially available Silver Sulfadiazine® cream. The drug was compatible with the selected polymers and indicated the suitability of the selected polymers for preparation of topical hydrogel films. The SEM images clearly indicated porous structure of the prepared hydrogel films. Slight changes were observed in pH, ranging from 4.98 ± 0.079 in the beginning of the study to 4.9 ± 0.58 in the end. The swelling percentage after 8 h was 257.7%. The films released 78.7 ± 1.7% of the drug in 250 min. The percent drug content was 97.78 ± 5% which did not change significantly during the storage period. The hydrogel films showed similar wound-healing activity as compared to the commercial product (p > 0.05; ANOVA), while greater wound-healing activity as compared to the control group (p < 0.05; ANOVA) evidenced by intensive collagen formation in histopathological analysis.

Curcumin nanoparticles incorporated in PVA/collagen composite films promote wound healing.

Skin repair remains a common problem in plastic surgery. Wound dressing plays an important role in promoting local skin healing and has been widely studied. This study aimed to manufacture a composite film (CPCF) containing curcumin nanoparticles, collagen, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to effectively promote the healing of skin wounds. Sustained drug release from the composite film provides long-term protection and treatment for skin wounds. Both antibacterial property and good histocompatibility of the CPCF were examined by analyzing antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity to validate its applicability for wound management. Moreover, in vivo studies proved that the CPCF had a rapid healing rate of 98.03%±0.79% and mature epithelialization on day 15 after surgery. Obvious hair follicles and earlier re-epithelialization was also noticed in the CPCF group using H&E staining. The result of Masson's trichrome staining confirmed that CPCF could promote the formation of collagen fibers. In summary, CPCF may be promising as a wound dressing agent in wound management owing to its rapid wound-healing effects.

Synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/corn starch/linseed polyol-based hydrogel loaded with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles.

Nanocomposite hydrogel film was prepared from Polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], Corn Starch [CS], Linseed oil polyol [LP], and silver nanoparticles [NP]. LP was prepared by epoxidation and hydration of Linseed oil [LO]. IR and NMR supported the insertion of hydroxyl groups in LP by epoxide ring opening reaction at epoxidized LO. Silver NP were biosynthesized using aqueous leaves' extract from locally grown Ocimum forsskaolii Benth [LEO] plant. FTIR, XRD, UV and TEM confirmed the synthesis of NP (size 30 to 39 nm). Transparent and foldable hydrogel film resulted by blending the constituents (PVA, CS, LP and NP), crosslinking by glutaraldehyde, at room temperature, and showed expansion in water, different pH solutions, biodegradation and good antibacterial and antifungal activity against tested microbes. Linseed polyol influenced the structure, morphology, hydrophilicity, improved swelling ability and thermal stability and accelerated biodegradation of hydrogel films. NP were well adhered to LP globules that were embedded in PVA/CS matrix as strung set of beads (LP globules) decorated with black pearls (spherical NP). Silver NP conferred antimicrobial behavior to hydrogel film as observed by antimicrobial screening on different microbes. The results were encouraging and showed that such hydrogel films may find prospective applications in antimicrobial packaging.

PVA/anionic collagen membranes as drug carriers of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride with sustained antibacterial activity and potential use in the treatment of ulcerative keratitis.

Devices such as contact lenses and collagen shields have been used to improve the antibiotic bioavailability of eye drops formulations in the treatment of ulcerative keratitis. Nevertheless, these devices are not sustained drug delivery systems, and a combination with eye drops is necessary. In animal patients, it requires constant supervision by trained personnel to avoid device loss, which increases the cost of treatment. In this study, PVA/anionic collagen membranes containing ciprofloxacin or tobramycin were prepared using two different methodologies, and the release, physical and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The membrane containing ciprofloxacin was selected as a sustained drug delivery system with antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli during 48 h. Despite to be opaque, due to its heterogeneous morphology, this membrane had the adequate mechanical strength, water content, hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability, and surface pH to interact with cornea without causing discomfort. In the surface of this membrane it was observed dispersed collagen fibrils which could serve as a substrate for corneal proteinases, contributing to the reduction in stromal damage and enhancing the epithelium regeneration. These results encourage the idea these membranes are new cost-effective and safe alternatives to treat corneal ulcers in animal patients.