Fabrication of Advanced Films Composed of Carrageenan, Sodium Alginate, and Bacterial Nanocellulose Enriched with D. Viscosa Extract and Empagliflozin Drug for Diabetic Wound Healing; an in-vitro and in-vivo Analysis

As diabetes mellitus can impede wound healing, in this study, nano-biocompatible films were fabricated via solution-casting to heal diabetic wounds using bacterial nanocellulose, sodium alginate, and carrageenan. To control diabetes, the antidiabetic EMP and hydroalcoholic extract of Dodonaea viscosa were added to the films. Besides the mechanical properties of films such as swelling, moisture content, moisture uptake, gel content, and tensile stress, biological characteristics including hematopoietic coagulation, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects were also evaluated and FTIR-ATR and SEM were applied to analyze the chemical composition and morphology of them. Diabetic rat models evaluated the films’ wound-healing potential. Results indicated adding plant extract to EMP-containing films enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, improved water absorption, and controlled drug release within 24 h. The film with 1.5% extract showed 82.38 ± 1.19% denaturation. Blood glucose levels in diabetic rats treated for 14 days with the extract or extract plus EMP were 93 ± 2.91 g/dl and 82.30 ± 3.86, respectively, significantly lower than the diabetic control (361 ± 3.21). The films with extract and EMP promoted faster wound healing in diabetic rats. This study presents a composite film with D. viscosa extract that lowers blood glucose and enhances wound healing in rat models while reducing inflammation and showing antibacterial properties.

Graphical Abstract