<scp>ZIF‐8</scp> Containing Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol/Gelatin Nanocomposites With Enhanced Mechanical and Biomedical Performance for Wound Dressing Applications

ABSTRACT Multifunctional nanocomposite films incorporating zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) are gaining attention as practical wound dressing systems due to their mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial behavior. This study investigates the development of biocompatible polymer nanocomposite films utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin, and ZIF‐8, which are cross‐linked with EPTMS. The main novelty was to use the unique structure of EPTMS, which promotes strong chemical bonding with polymer chains and ZIF‐8 nanoparticles. Wound dressings were developed using two distinct polymer ratios (80/20 and 90/10) along with varying concentrations of ZIF‐8 (0.25, 0.50, and 1 wt%). The synthesized ZIF‐8 nanoparticles were initially characterized, revealing a particle size of 260 nm. Incorporating ZIF‐8 into nanocomposite films significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of wound dressings, with 0.5% ZIF‐8 as the optimal concentration. The combination of ZIF‐8 and gelatin resulted in a wound dressing that is both strong and flexible, offering enhanced healing and comfort for patients. Low amounts of ZIF‐8 in the films improved their swelling characteristics, while higher concentrations diminished these properties. The MTT assay findings demonstrate that PVA/Gelatin/ZIF‐8 films possess a high level of biocompatibility. Nanocomposite films have shown effectiveness against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, with antibacterial rates ranging from 88.0% to 99.9%, depending on the concentration of ZIF‐8 nanoparticles. The findings strongly suggest that PVA/Gelatin nanocomposite films loaded with ZIF‐8 exhibit exceptional promise as highly effective wound dressings.