In-vitro characterization of Wrightia tinctoria leaf extract loaded PVA film for wound dressing

A bioactive wound dressing film was developed by incorporating Wrightia tinctoria leafextract into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Fresh leaves were extracted usingethanol, and the obtained extract was blended with PVA through the solvent castingmethod to produce thin, flexible, and biocompatible films. Phytochemical screeningrevealed the presence of several bioactive constituents, including terpenoids,flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides, which may contribute to thetherapeutic properties of the film. GC-MS analysis identified important secondarymetabolites such as squalene, β-amyrin, and lup-20(29)-en-3-ol acetate. Thesecompounds are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, andwound-healing activities. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl,aromatic, and ether functional groups, indicating the successful incorporation of theplant constituents into the PVA matrix. SEM analysis showed that the developed filmhad a smooth, uniform, and defect-free surface with an even distribution of the plantextract. The film exhibited promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-positiveBacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, with stronger inhibition observedagainst the Gram-positive strain. The DPPH assay demonstrated good antioxidantactivity, with an IC₅₀ value of 46.9 µg/mL. The film also showed a swelling capacity of43.5%, indicating its ability to absorb wound exudates and retain moisture, which areimportant characteristics for wound healing. Overall, the Wrightia tinctoria-loaded PVAfilm showed favourable structural, antioxidant, antibacterial, and swelling properties,highlighting its potential as a natural, biocompatible, and sustainable wound dressingmaterial.