New Biofunctional Loading of Natural Antimicrobial Agent in Biodegradable Polymeric Films for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The study focuses on the development of novelAloe verabased polymeric composite films and antimicrobial suture coatings. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a synthetic biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was combined withAloe vera, a natural herb used for soothing burning effects and cosmetic purposes. The properties of these two materials were combined together to get additional benefits such as wound healing and prevention of surgical site infections. PVA andAloe verawere mixed in a fixed quantity to produce polymer based films. The films were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity against bacterial (E. coli,P. aeruginosa) and fungal strains (Aspergillus flavusandAspergillus tubingensis) screened.Aloe verabased PVA films showed antimicrobial activity against all the strains; the lowestAloe veraconcentration (5%) showed the highest activity against all the strains.In vitrodegradation and release profile of these films was also evaluated. The coating for sutures was prepared,in vitroantibacterial tests of these coated sutures were carried out, and later onin vivostudies of these coated sutures were also performed. The results showed that sutures coated withAloe vera/PVA coating solution have antibacterial effects and thus have the potential to be used in the prevention of surgical site infections andAloe vera/PVA based films have the potential to be used for wound healing purposes.