Preparing and characterization of St.John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) incorporated wound dressing films based on chitosan and gelatin

Abstract

In this work, St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) supported wound dressing films based on chitosan and gelatin were prepared by using solvent casting technique. As wound dressing film structures were confirmed by FTIR and optical microscope its physical properties such as thickness, mass, water vapor permission rate (WVPR), water absorption capacity, water content and dressing pH were determined. Also, antibacterial activities were determined by the agar disc diffusion method for gram positive (S. Aureus, B. Subtilis) and gram negative (S. Typhi, E. Coli) microorganisms. The films that are investigated for their potential as wound dressing films have water absorption capacities of 107-646%, water contents of 6.4-23.1% and water vapor permeability rate of 356.25-984.38 g/m(2) day respectively. Also, pH values of films were range of 5.26-7.66 and these values are suitable for wound dressing application. It has been observed that all films exhibit antibacterial activity by forming inhibition diameters against four different microorganisms. The results obtained in this study showed that St.John's Wort incoporated wound dressing films based on chitosan and gelatin could be used as potential candidates for wound healing application.