Abstract

DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTROSPUN PVA- GELATIN/ZNO NANOFIBROUS FOR ANTIBACTERIAL WOUND HEALING APPLICATION

Sathiya Nathan S., Nanthakumar G., Vijaykumar A., Sanjai Gandhi K., Amutha R.*

Abstract

The development of advanced wound dressings that promote rapid healing and prevent infection is a growing focus in biomedical research. In this study, a biocompatible composite nanofibrous composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin, incorporated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, was fabricated for potential use in wound healing applications. PVA provides excellent fiber forming properties and mechanical strength, while gelatin enhances biocompatibility and cell adhesion. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized and integrated into the polymer matrix to impart antibacterial activity and promote tissue regeneration. The composite nanofibers were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD, and mechanical testing to assess structural integrity and nanoparticle dispersion. In vitro antibacterial studies demonstrated significant activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while biocompatibility tests using fibroblast cells confirmed non-cytotoxic behavior. The wound healing potential of the nanocomposite was evaluated enhanced cell migration and proliferation. The synergistic properties of PVA, gelatin, and ZnO nanoparticles suggest that the developed nanocomposite holds great promise as an effective wound dressing material.

Keywords: PVA, Gelatin, Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Electrospinning, SEM, FTIR, XRD, Antibacterial activity, Wound healings.