Fabrication of pullulan/Syzygium kanarense-ZnO nanocomposite films for effective topical treatment of diabetes-induced wounds

In this study Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized via co-precipitation using aqueous Syzygium kanarense (Sk) leaf extract, followed by successful fabrication of pullulan/Sk-ZnONPs composites. UV-Vis spectroscopy unveiled absorption peaks at 362 nm for Sk-ZnONPs and 217 nm for pullulan. FE-SEM confirmed rod-shaped nanoparticles integrated into the pullulan matrix, while PXRD aligned with ZnO ICDD reference, revealing a crystallite size of 36.89 nm and 71.2 % crystallinity. EDX and FT-IR analyses highlighted phytochemical roles in reducing and stabilizing ZnONPs. Water contact angle measurements indicated reduced hydrophilicity of the pullulan matrix upon Sk-ZnONPs doping. The nanocomposite exhibited potent antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 18.97 ± 0.28 µg, comparable to ascorbic acid), anti-inflammatory effects (IC₅₀: 17.81 ± 0.98 µg, surpassing diclofenac sodium), and antidiabetic potential (α-amylase IC₅₀: 16.59 ± 0.45 µg; α-glucosidase inhibition: 98.95 ± 0.57 %, rivaling acarbose). These results underscore the eco-friendly potential of pullulan/Sk-ZnONPs for topical treatments for diabetes-induced wounds, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods.