Phyllanthus emblica‐Loaded Cryogels for Improved Wound Care: Characterization and In Vitro Studies

Abstract

AbstractWound dressings developed by combining plant extracts with polymers have made a great progress in wound care treatment. One plant with remarkable healing properties is Phyllanthus emblica Linn (P. emblica), which is described as having potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of P. emblica‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin‐based cryogels (PVA/Gel/P.emblica) through cytotoxicity and proliferation tests in HaCaT cells and examine their potential in wound dressing applications. Accordingly, PVA/Gel/P.emblica cryogels are successfully synthesized and characterization studies and in vitro cell culture studies are performed. The swelling tests and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis results show that swelling and surface area properties of cryogels increase with increasing P. emblica amounts. Morphological results display that the cryogels have a dense, interconnected pore morphology and a macroporous structure. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, trypan blue exclusion, and live–dead assay results reveal that P. emblica enhances cell proliferation, increases cell number, and improves cell viability. Based on the scanning electron microscope, immunofluorescence, and Giemsa staining images, it is observed that P. emblica promotes cell attachment, proliferation, and penetration. These findings confirm that PVA/Gel/P.emblica cryogels are suitable for use as wound dressing materials and can be developed with further studies.