Development and characterization of <i>Abutilon indicum</i> (Indian mallow) leaf extract loaded electrospun nanofibres

Herbal functionalized nanofibres are widely used in wound healing, tissue engineering, and air filters due to their efficient antimicrobial properties. Spinning nanofibres using herbs requires initial studies to check the compatibility of the herb, nanofibre formation, and spinnability. Efforts are being made to spin nanofibres using Abutilon indicum. Nanofibres produced using electrospinning techniques excel in unique structural and functional properties. Their structure aids in encapsulating active substances and controlled release of these substances. Abutilon indicum, also known as Indian mallow or Thuthi leaf, is a plant with various medicinal claims and antimicrobial properties. The current study focuses on developing nanofibres using the electrospinning technique with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) polymer and Indian mallow extract (IME). Nanofibres were developed with PVA/IME in different proportions. The developed nanofibres were characterized for surface morphology, Fourier-transform infrared spectrum, material thickness, swelling ratio, tensile strength, and antimicrobial property. The addition of IME to PVA did not affect the spinnability of the nanofibres. Among the samples developed with different ratios, the 50:50 PVA/IME sample was observed to have enhanced antimicrobial activity due to the higher proportion of IME within the polymer.