Development and Characterization of a Novel Wound-Healing Film Incorporating Aloe vera Extract and Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles

Advanced wound healing materials have drawn significant attention from researchers due to their ability to accelerate wound healing and reduce bacterial infections. This study describes the preparation and characterization of a novel wound-healing film. The film was prepared using a solvent casting method, incorporating copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄ NPs) for antibacterial activity, gelatin (GLT) as the main polymer matrix, and Aloe vera extract for its well-known wound-healing properties. Using Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves as a capping agent, CuFe₂O₄ NPs were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The potential of the GLT/Aloe vera extract nanocomposite (NCP) film to maintain an ideal wound environment was evaluated by examining its physicochemical properties, including porosity, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), and water absorption capacity (WAC). Water contact angle (WCA) analysis, crucial for understanding the film’s interaction with wound fluids, revealed that all the films were hydrophilic, with the GLT/Aloe vera extract NCP film having a pH of approximately 5. Surface roughness was assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which showed that the NCP film had the highest roughness. The incorporation of Aloe vera and CuFe₂O₄ NPs into the GLT matrix enhanced antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, potentially preventing infections and promoting faster wound healing. Furthermore, MTT assay results demonstrated maximum cell viability and growth after three days of incubation, confirming the biocompatibility of the NCP films. Overall, the findings suggests that this study contributes the development of a promising wound healing material with potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.