Preparation and characterization of polysaccharide based films and evaluation of their healing effects on dermal laser burns in rats

Abstract Edible and biodegradable films from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) derived polysaccharide (FWEP) reinforced by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared. Four films at different ratios of FWEP/PVA: F1 (70/30), F2 (50/50), F3 (30/70) and PVA (100% PVA) were characterized in terms of physical, structural, optical, thermal and morphological properties. The antioxidant activities of composite films were tested in vitro and evaluated in vivo through wound healing on CO 2 laser fractional burn in rats. Morphological study of FWEP composite films showed a compact and homogenous structure. The thermal properties evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry showed a total miscibility between both polymers. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that FWEP/PVA films have semi-crystalline nature with a good compatibility. Results showed that F 1 depicted the higher antioxidant activity in vitro, compared to other film ratios. In the same way, F1 exhibited potent percentage of wound healing activity revealed by less erythema, less crusting/scabbing, higher general wound appearance scores and a higher content of collagen (97.15 ± 57.72 mg/g of tissue), during eight days of treatment. Overall, obtained data demonstrated that FWEP/PVA composed films displayed strong wound healing potential presumably proved through its antioxidant activities.