Bioactive films based on barley β-glucans and ZnO for wound healing applications. (15th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Razzaq, Hussam A.A.; Gomez d'Ayala, Giovanna; Santagata, Gabriella; Bosco, Francesca; Mollea, Chiara; Larsen, Nigel; Duraccio, Donatella
• Is Part Of: Carbohydrate polymers. Volume 272(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15
• Subjects: Barley β-glucans -- FTIR -- Mechanical property -- Antimicrobial activity -- Wound dressing; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 547.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118442
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8617

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, mixtures based on β-glucans and proteins are extracted from barley, in mild (MA) and high (HA) alkaline conditions, and employed with zinc oxide (ZnO) to prepare bioactive films for wound healing. Composition of extracts and properties of resulting films depend on pH extraction conditions. MA based samples show weak physical interactions among mixture components, whereas in HA films the extent of these interactions is larger. Consequently, their chemico-physical properties are significantly different, as demonstrated by FT-IR, thermal, mechanical and morphological analyses. ZnO with its bound water molecules acts as a slight plasticizer in MA, as shown by the lower Tg and the decrease of elastic modulus. In HA, this effect is evidenced up to ZnO 1%, and above this concentration an increase of strength at break is observed. Finally, MA and HA films show intrinsic antimicrobial properties, enhanced by ZnO, which make them exploitable as wound dressings. Highlights: β-glucan based mixtures are extracted from barley and employed for film preparation. ZnO particles are added to enhance film bioactivity for wound healing applications. Structural and physico-chemical properties of films strictly depend on extraction pH. ZnO particles show an unexpected plasticizing effect on the polymer matrices. The addition of ZnO enhances the antimicrobial activity of both MA and HA films.