Physical, mechanical and wound healing properties of chitosan/gelatin blend films containing tannic acid and/or bacterial nanocellulose.

This study aimed to prepare a new composition for wound dressing having desired properties using naturally occurring materials. Chitosan/gelatin (1:2 w/w) films containing various amounts of tannic acid and/or bacterial nanocellulose were prepared. The films were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), XRD experiments and water absorption, gel content, water vapor permeability, mechanical and in in-vivo tests. FT-IR spectra of the samples showed no chemical reaction between the constituents. Moreover, SEM images proved a desirable dispersion of nanocellulose in the matrix. Incorporation of nanocellulose and/or tannic acid into the films was shown to reinforce the films. Also, in-vivo tests on Wistar rats demonstrated that amount of contraction is at least 15% higher for the wounds treated using each of the films compared to those treated without any wound dressing. According to the obtained results, high potential of the tested formulations for application in wound healing was corroborated.