Genipin-crosslinked, curcumin-loaded, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–egg albumin composite films: Engineering bioactive protein–polymer biomaterials for advanced wound healing

• Novel multifunctional wound dressing films composed of polyvinyl alcohol, egg albumin, genipin, and curcumin were developed, combining structural integrity with bioactive functionality to support enhanced skin tissue regeneration. • The developed scaffolds exhibited pH-responsive, sustained curcumin release, with optimized delivery under physiological, alkaline, and mildly acidic conditions to preserve curcumin’s therapeutic stability and bioactivity throughout the wound healing process. • The composite scaffolds demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, significantly enhancing fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and viability through the synergistic bioactivity of egg albumin, genipin, and curcumin. • In animal wound models, the fabricated scaffolds facilitated exceptionally rapid and complete wound healing, characterized by reduced inflammation, full re-epithelialization, and regeneration of skin appendages such as hair follicles. • Comprehensive histological, biochemical, and antioxidant evaluations demonstrated that the synergistic interplay of curcumin, egg albumin, and genipin enhanced oxidative stress resolution, modulated inflammation, promoted collagen deposition, and supported complete tissue regeneration featuring mature epithelium and skin appendages. Chronic wounds require multifunctional dressings that offer both structural support and bioactivity. This study presents genipin-crosslinked, curcumin-loaded composite films composed of egg albumin and polyvinyl alcohol ( PVA–GP–EA–CUR ) designed to enhance wound healing. The films were extensively characterized for chemical interactions, morphology, mechanical strength, water retention, curcumin release, and cytocompatibility. Genipin crosslinking and curcumin incorporation markedly improved mechanical properties—yielding a tensile strength of 49.86 ± 0.71 MPa and elongation at break of 37.75 %. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed a compact polymeric matrix with uniform curcumin dispersion. Release studies showed sustained curcumin delivery (∼70 % in acidic and ∼ 50 % in neutral pH) via Fickian diffusion, supporting prolonged therapeutic action. In vitro assays using 3 T3 fibroblasts confirmed biocompatibility, with minimal cytotoxicity. In vivo studies in rodents demonstrated significantly accelerated wound closure, supported by histological evidence. Biochemical analysis revealed enhanced collagen deposition, indicated by elevated hydroxyproline levels by day 7. Enzymatic assays showed increased activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, suggesting improved oxidative stress response. These results establish PVA–GP–EA–CUR films as promising wound dressings—offering mechanical reinforcement, sustained drug delivery, and modulation of oxidative and inflammatory responses to promote tissue regeneration.