Chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol membranes with improved antibacterial properties contained Calotropis procera extract as a robust wound healing agent

Due to excessive use of antibiotics, resistance against microorganisms is developed. An alternative use of antibiotics, natural remedies from plants have been used against infectious diseases. In the current study, bioactive compounds from Calotropis procera (C. procera) root were extracted and chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PVA) were used asa carriers and for the delivery to treat induced infection. Different concentration of C. procera extracts (25–75 mg/mL) were loaded on CS-PVA membrane and applied on the induced wounds in rabbits. Wound reduction was recorded for 12 days. On 6th day, small tissue from healing area were collected and subject to histopathology for tissue regeneration. The antioxidant activity (DPPH, TPC and TFC) was also investigated of CS-PVA loaded C. procera root extract. The DPPH free radical inhibition for 75 mg/mL were recorded up to 66.37%. The TPC and TFC contents were recorded to be 36.52 ± 5.12 GAE mg/g of DW (dry weight) and 24.49 ± 6.27 CE mg/g of DW (dry weight), respectively. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to control (Rifampicin). The zones of inhibition were recorded to be 18.50 ± 2.30 and 20.40 ± 4.20, respectively for CS-PVA membrane loaded with 75 mg extracts along with Rifampicin 28.50 ± 2.5 and 30.50 ± 1.38. The CS-PVA membranes were also studied for swelling and biodegradability. The biodegradability was increased, while swelling was decreased of CS-PVA membranes loaded with extract. The bioactive compounds from the CS-PVA loaded with extract released in controlled and sustainable way. Result revealed that CS-PVA loaded C. procera root extract has promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and could possibly be employed for the treatment of infectious diseases.