Preparation and characterization of chitosan/pectin/ZnO porous films for wound healing

Three-dimensional (3D) porous films based on chitosan/pectin/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared for wound healing by the freeze-drying method. The chemical nature, composition and morphology of these films were revealed by FTIR, XRD, EDX, SEM and BET analysis. SEM micrographs showed a decrease in the pore size and porosity of chitosan/pectin/ZnO films when increasing the content of ZnO NPs. The developed films presented the swelling degree and water retention ability in the range of 189–465 and 230–390%, respectively. Moreover, they showed an improved compression strength and controlled degradation in the lysozyme-containing medium in comparison with control. MTT assay demonstrated the biocompatibility of chitosan/pectin/ZnO films against the primary human dermal fibroblast cells (HFCs). Among the developed chitosan/pectin/ZnO films, CPZnO-2 films presented the increased rate of cell proliferation and migration. Also, they exhibited antimicrobial activity against the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. These results suggested that chitosan/pectin/ZnO films could be safe, convenient and effective for wound healing.