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

Sodium alginate (SA) biopolymeric films have various limitations such as poor mechanical properties, high vapor permeability, lack of antibacterial activity, excessive burst release, and weak cell adhesion. To overcome these limitations, a strategy involving the integration of nanofillers into an SA film matrix is explored. In this context, a cost-effective iron-containing carbon nano biocomposite (FeCNB) nanofiller is developed using a solvent-free technique. This nanocomposite is successfully incorporated into the alginate film matrix at varying concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.15%) aimed at enhancing its physicochemical and biological properties for biomedical applications. Characterization through FESEM and BET analyses confirms the porous nature of the FeCNB. EDX shows the FeCNB's uniform distribution upon its integration into the film matrix, albeit without strong chemical interaction with SA. Instead, hydrogen bonding interactions become apparent in the FTIR spectra. By incorporating the FeCNB, the mechanical attributes of the films are improved and the water vapor permeability approaches the desired range (2000-2500 g/m²day). The film's swelling ratio reduction contributes to a decrease in water permeability. The antibacterial activity and sustained release property of the FeCNB-incorporated film are established using tetracycline hydrochloride (TCl), a model drug. The drug release profile resembled Korsmeyer-Peppas's release pattern. In vitro assessments via the MTT assay and scratch assay on NIH-3T3 cells reveal that FeCNB has no adverse effects on the biocompatibility of alginate films. The cell proliferation and adhesion to the SA film are significantly enhanced after infusion of the FeCNB. The in vivo study performed on the rat model demonstrates improved wound healing by FeCNB-impregnated films. Based on the comprehensive findings, the proposed FeCNB-incorporated alginate films prove to be a promising candidate for robust skin repair.