Effect of Helichrysum Arenarium on PVA/Silk Protein-Based Scaffold Films: Detailed Investigation of Mechanical, Thermal, and Phase Changes

Biodegradable scaffold systems enhanced with plant extracts play a critical role in a wide range of biomedical applications. In this study, the effect of Helichrysum arenarium extract on poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk protein (PVA/SP) biodegradable films was characterized by ATR/FTIR, XRD, DSC, swelling, mechanical, and MTT analyses. FTIR analyses confirmed the chemical integration of the plant extract into the scaffold structure. The broad peak between 3700-2900 cm-1 (O–H and N–H stretching bands) disappeared, and the intensity of amide peaks increased. XRD results showed that the scaffolds' crystal structure was disrupted. DSC measurements showed a decrease in the melting temperature (Tm) of the plant extract scaffolds. Swelling tests revealed that the water retention capacity of the scaffolds increased at the highest extract ratio (1.00 wt.%). Mechanical analyses revealed that tensile strength at break (20%) and elongation at break (34.63%) decreased with increasing plant extract content. MTT analyses indicated that the plant extract-doped scaffolds were not biocompatible with fibroblast cells at high concentrations, unlike those at lower concentrations. This research, conducted to analyze the properties of biofilms enriched with the extract, confirmed the extract's toxicity at certain doses. To achieve the most biocompatible results, the limited dose of H. arenarium extract should be considered.