Authors
1
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
2
Ph.D. in Microbiology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objective: Skin loss may occur due to various causes, including genetic disorders, acute trauma, chronic wounds, or even surgical interventions. Dressings can accelerate wound healing by protecting the wound from bacterial contamination and providing a favorable environment for tissue repair. Moist wound dressings are particularly effective in preventing dressing-related injuries, managing exudates, and minimizing discomfort and pain. In this study, a polyurethane-based film incorporated with walnut leaf extract was developed and evaluated.
Materials & Methods: To prepare the polyurethane biofilm, a 12% polyurethane solution was formulated using tetrahydrofuran and dimethylformamide (50:50). Walnut leaf extract was then added at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 4% (w/w), followed by casting into Teflon molds. Physicochemical and mechanical properties were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), light transmittance, swelling behavior in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), degradation analysis, and cytotoxicity testing. The tensile strength of the films decreased with increasing extract content, while flexibility improved.
Results: Due to the diverse chemical constituents of the extract, elongation at break increased from 38.4 ± 4.7% to 68.24 ± 11.3%. Swelling capacity in PBS rose from 76% for pure polyurethane to 96% for films containing 4% extract. MTT assay results indicated no cytotoxicity for films containing 1% and 2% extract, whereas the 4% extract film exhibited cytotoxic effects.
Conclusion: Based on the analytical data and SEM observations of L929 fibroblast cells cultured on the films, it can be concluded that polyurethane films containing 2% walnut leaf extract provide optimal mechanical, chemical, physical, and biological properties, making them suitable candidates for skin tissue applications in surgical wound healing.
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