Synergistic effects of cinnamon extract and silver nanoparticles in a tragacanth gum-based bioactive film for accelerated wound healing: In vitro and in vivo studies

Given the growing prevalence of chronic wounds, there is a significant demand for advanced, multifunctional dressings. This study developed biocompatible nanocomposite films from tragacanth gum (TG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with 5% cinnamon extract and 3% silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to address this need. Structural analyses (FTIR, XRD, FESEM) confirmed the successful integration and homogeneous dispersion of the components. The films exhibited strong antioxidant activity and potent antibacterial effects against tested pathogens. Hemocompatibility tests showed hemolysis rates below 3%, confirming blood compatibility. While the cinnamon extract alone showed high cytocompatibility, the composite film demonstrated approximately 50% cell viability after 48 h. Crucially, in a scratch assay, the films significantly enhanced fibroblast migration. This was supported by in vivo wound healing studies in mice, where treatment with the nanocomposite film led to nearly complete wound closure by day 14, significantly outperforming the control group. The films effectively modulated oxidative stress during healing, increasing GPx activity and reducing lipid peroxidation. They also possessed a tensile strength of 11.74 MPa, a swelling capacity of 75%, and showed 68% biodegradation after 40 days. The synergistic combination of cinnamon extract and Ag NPs endowed the films with remarkable antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing capabilities, making them highly promising candidates for advanced wound care applications.