Polyfunctional film coatings for medical use

In this study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum (XG) and collagen (C) blends, enriched with aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa L buds, were used to prepare biomedical films intended for use as wound dressings. Additionally, AgNO3 was introduced into film formulations to ensure in-situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The thickness, opacity, water vapor permeability, water solubility, moisture retention, thermogravimetric properties (TGA),functional groups (FTIR), total phenolic content, mechanical characteristics (elongation and tensile strength), as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the medical films were investigated. The fabricated films exhibited varying characteristics depending on their compositions. Thicknesses ranged from 0.050 to 0.183 mm, opacities from 0.852 to 8.460 Abs600/mm, water vapor permeabilities (WVP) from 0.087 to 0.346 ng m-1 s-1 Pa-1, percent water solubilities from 12.087 to 92.005%, and percent moisture retentions from 7.001 to 25.815%. Mechanical properties were measured with tensile strengths ranging from 2.38 to 46.65 MPa and elongations from 1.3 to 20%. Additionally, antioxidant activity spanned from 1.2% to 45.9% inhibition, total phenolic substance content ranged from 0.002 to 0.245 mg GAE/mL. Antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, B. pumilus and C. albicans was observed. Consequently, the fabricated durable, biocompatible films, synthesized from natural polymers and enriched with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, demonstrated promising potential for use as wound dressings.