Iron Nano Biocomposite-Infused Biopolymeric Films: A Multifunctional Approach for Robust Skin Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Sodium alginate (SA) films possess limitations including poor mechanical strength, high permeability, and inadequate biological activity for biomedical uses.
• Developing advanced SA-based materials is crucial for improving wound healing and drug delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of sodium alginate films by incorporating a novel iron-containing carbon nano biocomposite (FeCNB) nanofiller.
• To evaluate the potential of FeCNB-modified SA films for biomedical applications, particularly in skin repair.

Main Methods:

• A solvent-free technique was used to synthesize FeCNB nanofillers.
• FeCNB was incorporated into SA films at varying concentrations (0.05-0.15%).
• Characterization involved FESEM, BET, EDX, and FTIR; mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, swelling ratio, drug release (tetracycline hydrochloride), biocompatibility (MTT assay, scratch assay), and in vivo wound healing were assessed.

Main Results:

• FeCNB exhibited a porous structure and uniform distribution within the SA matrix, interacting via hydrogen bonding.
• FeCNB incorporation improved mechanical properties, reduced swelling ratio, and achieved desired water vapor permeability.
• Enhanced antibacterial activity, sustained drug release, improved cell proliferation and adhesion, and accelerated in vivo wound healing were observed.

Conclusions:

• FeCNB-modified SA films demonstrate significantly enhanced mechanical and biological properties compared to pristine SA films.
• The developed nanocomposite films show great potential for advanced biomedical applications, especially in robust skin repair.
• The FeCNB-SA system offers a promising strategy for creating functional biomaterials with improved therapeutic outcomes.