Gelatin/Persian gum/bacterial nanocellulose composite films containing Frankincense essential oil and Teucrium polium extract as a novel and bactericidal wound dressing

This study aimed to create a new combination for wound dressing with favorable attributes using natural materials. Gelatin films containing Persian gum (Pg), Bacterial nanocellulose (BNc), Frankincense essential oil (FEO), and Teucrium polium extract (TpE) were prepared. The films were studied by Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform (FTIR-ATR) and SEM. Moreover, mechanical properties, swelling, water desorption, and stability of the films were investigated. In-vitro studies of blood compatibility and also antimicrobial and antiinflammatory tests were performed for the fabricated films. SEM images proved a uniform dispersion of BNc in the matrix. The incorporation of FEO into the films was shown to make the cavities in the film's micrographs. Moreover, the swelling was found enhanced by Pg and BNc addition to the gelatin film while this index was decreased by FEO addition. Compare to the pure gelatin film, the blended films had more stability with steady degradation under the PBS medium. The biocomposite films showed improved anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity with Pg, FEO and TpE combination. Blood compatibility studies of the biocomposite films exhibited a non-hemolytic nature. These valuable biological properties of the biocomposite films make them a promising and suitable candidate for wound dressing application.