Multifunctional Oregano-Derived Plasma Polymer Coatings for Wound Healing Applications: An In Vitro Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Chronic wounds pose significant clinical challenges due to infection, aging, and diabetes.
• Existing treatments are often insufficient, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation impede effective wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize oregano-derived plasma polymers (OPP) as a multifunctional wound healing surface coating.
• To evaluate the antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and pro-regenerative properties of OPP coatings.
• To assess the cytocompatibility and cellular interactions of OPP surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Radiofrequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition was used to fabricate OPP coatings on glass coverslips.
• Surface chemistry was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
• Antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility, immune response, antioxidant properties, and pro-regenerative potential were assessed using various in vitro assays.

Main Results:

• OPP coatings demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
• The coatings supported macrophage adhesion, spreading, and viability while downregulating IL-4 without elevating IL-6.
• OPP exhibited potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and accelerated fibroblast migration for wound closure.

Conclusions:

• Oregano-derived plasma polymers (OPP) present a promising, scalable, plant-based platform for advanced wound healing.
• OPP coatings integrate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-regenerative functionalities with excellent cytocompatibility.
• This study highlights OPP as a novel nature-inspired biomaterial for next-generation wound care solutions.