<scp><i>Ixora coccinea</i></scp>‐Extracted Nanocellulose–<scp>ZnO</scp> Hybrid: A Biocompatible Antimicrobial Scaffold for Wound Healing

ABSTRACT Nanocellulose‐based scaffolds are gaining significant attention in biomedical applications due to their non‐toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, high tensile strength, water absorption, and porosity. This study focuses on developing a polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐plasticized nanocellulose membrane incorporated with varying concentrations (1%–5%) of zinc oxide (ZnO). The influence of ZnO on fiber morphology, mechanical strength, fiber diameter, antibacterial activity, blood compatibility, and overall biocompatibility was systematically evaluated. Structural, morphological, and thermal characterizations were performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA/DTA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Antibacterial and biocompatibility assessments included Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), MTT assay, hemocompatibility assay, and scratch assay. Additionally, in vivo biocompatibility was studied via subcutaneous implantation in a murine model. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, antimicrobial efficacy, cytocompatibility, fibroblast proliferation and migration, and cellular metabolic activity of the scaffold. In vivo results indicated no inflammatory response, confirming the scaffold's biocompatibility. Overall, the ZnO‐incorporated PEG‐plasticized nanocellulose membrane demonstrates promising potential as an effective wound healing material due to its enhanced structural integrity and biological performance.