Ex-situ development and molecular analysis of tamarind-enriched bacterial cellulose-based composite for treating burn...

Burn-related complications contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity, especially in low-resource settings. A key challenge in burn treatment is the limited availability of effective, biocompatible wound dressing materials. In this study, Tamarindus indica (T. indica) loaded bacterial cellulose (BC-TI) composite was developed ex-situ and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The composite was evaluated for cytotoxicity, in-vitro skin permeation, antimicrobial activity and in-vivo wound healing potential. Characterization results showed successful impregnation of T. indica into the BC matrix. The composite was highly biocompatible with skin cells and showed minimal release (1.41 ± 0.69 %) of T. indica in skin permeation studies. Antimicrobial studies revealed substantial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (62.5 %), Bacillus subtilis (71.4 %), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (76.1 %). BC-TI composite exhibited 95.25 ± 0.75 % healing as indicated by wound area contraction. Gene expression analysis showed marked upregulation of key growth factors: PDGF (77.81-fold), FGF (68.10-fold), and EGF (61.36-fold), indicating strong regenerative potential. This low-cost, plant-based dressing offers a sustainable and effective burn treatment option, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Additional benefits of this study include the use of local resources, eco-friendly healthcare solutions, cutting expensive imports and thus potentially improving patient outcomes.