Controlled release of gentamicin from chitosan/TiO2 /berberis aristata bionanocomposite films: from traditional to advanced dressing

Embedding antibacterial and antifungal additives into wound dressing materials is currently an innovative approach. Berberis Aristata (BA) is a potent plant that has been used for wound healing since ancient times. Transitioning from traditional to advanced setup, wound dressing/films based on chitosan (Cs), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and BA were developed. Solution casting-based techniques were employed for the preparation of films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) were done for structural and morphological analysis of films. FTIR and XRD confirmed the structural modifications of Cs. Swelling behavior, hydrolytic and oxidative stability, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Cs/TiO 2 /BA were also evaluated. In vitro Gentamycin (drug) loading and release behavior of films were checked. Cs/TiO 2 /BA (2%) film not only showed excellent drug loading efficiency (72.5%) but exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity (35 mm), oxidative and hydrolytic stability (27 days). The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids and phenols in BA, which may be the reason for its good antioxidant and antibacterial response. These investigations showed that the Cs/TiO 2 /BA system could be a viable option for applications in wound dressings that require sustained drug loading and release efficiency.