Nanostructured Zinc Oxide–Enhanced Biopolymeric Films for Advanced Wound Healing Applications

ABSTRACT A series of biopolymeric films were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), maltodextrin (MD) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) of varying morphologies. MD was also used to modify ZnO‐NPs prior to film formation. The morphological and structural properties of the films were characterized by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared by attenuated total reflectance method (FTIR‐ATR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM). The results confirmed that MD was successfully grafted onto the surface of the ZnO‐NPs and integrated into biopolymeric films. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against common wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus epidermidis , following the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS Z 2801 method. The tests showed almost complete inhibition of microbial growth. Furthermore, the biopolymeric films demonstrated favorable compatibility with 1132SK cell lines, suggesting their suitability for safe clinical application. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of innovative biopolymeric film‐based solutions for wound management and other clinical applications.