Development of gelatin/pectin bioactive composite films loaded with thymol and phytosynthesized magnesium oxide...

The escalating burden of wound management on healthcare resources urges the need for developing wound dressings that promote an efficient wound healing process. Given the versatile bio-efficacy of thymol, the multifunctional advantages of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), and the ultimate benefits of natural polymer-based hydrogel films, the present study aimed to develop a gelatin-pectin (GEL/PEC) hydrogel film encapsulating thymol and/or MgO NPs as an innovative wound dressing. The fabricated films were characterized for their physicochemical properties, mechanical strength, in vitro release profile, swelling, and biodegradation behaviours. The film combining thymol and MgO NPs featured superior physicochemical properties compared to the lone-component films. It demonstrated a tensile strength of 6.1 ± 0.93 MPa and a strain value of 22.23 ± 1.11 %, moderate swelling of 497.83 ± 2.02 %, and controlled biodegradation with ∼80 % weight loss after seven days, ensuring both hydration and durability in moist wound environments. Moreover, the release profile of the co-loaded film exhibited an initial burst and a sustained release pattern. The in vivo wound healing investigation revealed that the co-loaded film accelerated wound closure and significantly improved granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and tissue re-epithelization compared to single-agent film-treated groups. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated inflammatory resolution and angiogenesis normalization as conveyed by the significant reduction in the inflammatory marker IL-6 and the angiogenesis marker VEGF, indicating progression to the tissue remodelling phase in the co-loaded film-treated group. Hence, the co-incorporation of thymol and MgO NPs in a GEL/PEC hydrogel film offers an interactive wound dressing with unique intrinsic properties for wound healing applications.