Transparent keratin nanocomposite films incorporating silver nanoparticles and aloe vera for wound management

Keratin was extracted from human hair waste and incorporated with neem-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), carboxymethyl cellulose, and aloe vera to fabricate a transparent nanocomposite film. The extracted keratin exhibited a characteristic protein peak and porous morphology, while AgNPs demonstrated a surface plasmon resonance at 430-460 nm with spherical shape (< 100 nm). The fabricated film demonstrated high transparency (75.67 ± 0.57%), moderate porosity (63.38 ± 0.61%), and a high swelling ratio (818.36%), supporting moisture retention; its surface pH (5-6) and water vapor transmission rate (1799 ± 43 g/m²/day) favouring a moist healing environment, with 36.23% biodegradation over 28 days. The film showed potent bactericidal and antibiofilm properties towards S. pyogenes, E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, antioxidant activity (TPC 24.22 mg GAE/g, DPPH 71.31%, ABTS 63.55%), and anti-inflammatory effects (BSA 68.69%, egg albumin 92.91%, RBC 66.69%). Cytocompatibility on HaCaT and L929 cells (IC₅₀ = 155 and 251 µg/mL) confirmed the film's safety and regenerative potential. Overall, the fabricated biodegradable, bioactive, and cytocompatible composite film provides a multifunctional platform for wound healing by preserving moisture, reducing inflammation and infection, and promoting the regeneration of tissue. Future studies focusing on in vivo validation and long-term biocompatibility are important to confirm the film's scalability, sustainability, and clinical applicability.