TiB₂-Derived Nanosheets Enhance the Tensile Strength and Controlled Drug Release of Biopolymeric Films Used in Wound Healing

Abstract

Wound healing using an alginate-based biopolymeric film is one of the most preferred treatments. However, these films lack mechanical strength (elasticity and tensile strength), show higher initial burst release, and exhibit high vapor permeability. The present study reports the development of nanosheets derived from titanium diboride (10 nm) (NTB)-incorporated biopolymeric films (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% w/v) using sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to overcome the shortfalls. The surface properties of the film, nanosheet distribution within the film, and possible interactions with the film are explored by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These analyses confirm that nanosheets are uniformly distributed in the film and introduce unevenness on the film's surface. The tensile strength of the nanosheet-incorporated film (0.1% NTB film) using UTM is found to be 24.30 MPa (six times higher compared to the blank film), equivalent to human skin. The water vapor transmission rate of the film is also found to be in the desired range (i.e., 2000−2500 g/m 2 day). The biocompatibility of the NTB film is confirmed by the MTT assay test using NIH/3T3 cells and HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, the scratch assay shows that the developed films promote cell migration and proliferation. The antibacterial activity of the film is also demonstrated using a model drug, tetracycline hydrochloride (TCl). Besides, the film exhibits the sustained release of TCl and follows the Korsmeyer−Peppas model for drug release. Overall, the 0.1% w/v NTB film is easy to fabricate, biocompatible and shows superior mechanical properties.

Iron Nano Biocomposite-Infused Biopolymeric Films: A Multifunctional Approach for Robust Skin Repair

“…These alterations could be accredited to the presence of van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding between the SA matrix and FeCNB. 40 The microstructure of a film's surface influences both cell adhesion and the drug release profile. 43 To investigate alterations in the microstructure of the SA film surface following the addition of FeCNB, FESEM analysis is performed, and the results are depicted in Figure 2A.…”

“…Notably, −OH stretching peaks shifted from 3280 to 3275 cm –1 , asymmetric stretching peak for the −COO group shifted from 1600 to 1605 cm –1 , and C–O–C peaks shifted from 1103 to 1107 cm –1 . These alterations could be accredited to the presence of van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding between the SA matrix and FeCNB …”

“…To study the loading and release study, a TCl calibration curve was prepared at an absorbance of 365 nm. 50 mg of TCl was weighed and mixed with the polymer solution before addition of FeCNB . For release study, the films containing 10 mg of drug were cut and placed in the beaker containing 10 mL of simulated wound fluid (SWF).…”

“…50 mg of TCl was weighed and mixed with the polymer solution before addition of FeCNB. 40 For release study, the films containing 10 mg of drug were cut and placed in the beaker containing 10 mL of simulated wound fluid (SWF). The beaker was covered and kept at 37 °C in a shaker incubator at 150 rpm.…”

“…Water, acting as a plasticizer, enhances film flexibility while reducing its mechanical properties. 40 Furthermore, the introduction of nanocomposite constrains the movement of the monomers within the polymer matrix, resulting in increased rigidity and thus improved tensile strength alongside reduced elongation. 46 Additionally, the iron nanocomposite interacts with the SA chains, contributing to the overall rigidity of the films via noncovalent interactions, as observed in ATR results.…”