Comprehensive evaluation of sacchachitosan-based transdermal films for wound care: Physical, chemical, and biological...

In the present investigation, the development and comparative assessment of sacchachitosan-based transdermal films loaded with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for wound-healing applications were reported. Sacchachitosan, a fungal chitosan obtained from Ganoderma lucidum, was mixed with gelatin and glycerol to improve film flexibility, bio-adhesiveness, and moisture retention. Silver nanoparticles were added to the transdermal film as an antimicrobial agent and a cross-linking agent. Transdermal films were prepared by solvent casting with different concentrations of AgNPs, and characterised by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), High-Resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The optimized formulation showed tensile load values of 0.94 N (maximum), length up to 83.4 mm, with significantly increased mechanical flexibility. Controlled drug release was maintained for 24 h (R² = 0.9471) and provided effective skin permeation kinetics (R² = 0.9852). Antimicrobial studies showed inhibition zones of up to 22 mm for E. coli and Proteus, and about ≈20 mm for A. niger and C. albicans respectively, while degradation ranged from 52.3% to 81.9% under physiological conditions. Bioadhesive strength reached 79 g in higher concentration of SNPs formulations. The results of cytocompatibility demonstrated that >70% cell viability in optimal films (SF1-SF4), while excessive AgNPs concentration (SF5-SF7) decreased viability to below 30%, suggesting dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Hemolysis remained within acceptable limits in lower-concentration formulations. Mushroom produced sacchachitosan was found to exhibit better hydrophilicity (contact angle 40°) than traditional chitosan, higher antimicrobial activity and superior film stability. These findings highlight sacchachitosan-based nanocomposite films as promising sustainable biomaterials for advanced wound management, while emphasizing the need for nanoparticle optimization to balance antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility.