- Thin films, nanomaterial, herbal oil, PVA, Chitosan.
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex biological process, results in the restoration of tissue integrity. Allopathy uses drugs and sometimes surgery to treat ailments related to bone and joint disorders. To overcome the drawbacks associated with current treatment methodologies herbal therapies such as herbal oils, tablets, yoga, meditation, special diets, etc are followed. To enhance the herbal delivery several nanomaterials are used. In the current study Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan (PVA/CTS) thin films of approximately 4 mm in thickness were synthesized by stirring using acetic acid and Glutaraldehyde. The prepared thin film with a high crosslinking density and a dense inter-porous structure were utilized with oil for the formation of herbal oil thin film. The composite films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and biocompatibility assays. The results confirmed that highly stable and uniformly distributed herbal thin film obtained over the entire thin film networks. The tensile test revealed that the effective incorporation of herbal oil within the hydrogel networks rendered the composite films more elastic. Due to its inter-porous structure, uniform distribution of oil and biocompatibility, the herbal oil-loaded PVA/CTS thin film may be utilized as a biomaterial in medical applications.