Development of Halloysite Nanohybrids-Based Films: Enhancing Mechanical and Hydrophilic Properties for Wound Healing
Francisco Ramón Rodríguez Pozo,
Daiana Ianev,
Tomás Martínez Rodríguez,
José L. Arias,
Fátima Linares,
Carlos Miguel Gutiérrez Ariza,
Caterina Valentino,
Francisco Arrebola Vargas,
Pablo Hernández Benavides,
José Manuel Paredes,
María del Mar Medina Pérez,
Silvia Rossi,
Giuseppina Sandri,
Carola Aguzzi
Affiliations
Francisco Ramón Rodríguez Pozo
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
Daiana Ianev
Department of Drug Science, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Tomás Martínez Rodríguez
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
José L. Arias
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
Fátima Linares
Unit of Force Atomic Microscopy, Scientific Instrumentation Center, University of Granada, 18003 Granada, Spain
Carlos Miguel Gutiérrez Ariza
Unit of Force Atomic Microscopy, Scientific Instrumentation Center, University of Granada, 18003 Granada, Spain
Caterina Valentino
Department of Drug Science, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Francisco Arrebola Vargas
Department of Histology, Institute of Neurosciences, Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Pablo Hernández Benavides
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
José Manuel Paredes
Nanoscopy-UGR Laboratory, Department of Physical Chemistry, Unidad de Excelencia en Química Aplicada a Biomedicina y Medioambiente UEQ, University of Granada, Cartuja Campus, 18071 Granada, Spain
María del Mar Medina Pérez
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
Silvia Rossi
Department of Drug Science, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Giuseppina Sandri
Department of Drug Science, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Carola Aguzzi
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
Most of the therapeutic systems developed for managing chronic skin wounds lack adequate mechanical and hydration properties, primarily because they rely on a single component. This study addresses this issue by combining organic and inorganic materials to obtain hybrid films with enhanced mechanical behavior, adhesion, and fluid absorption properties. To that aim, chitosan/hydrolyzed collagen blends were mixed with halloysite/antimicrobial nanohybrids at 10% and 20% (w/w) using glycerin or glycerin/polyethylene glycol-1500 as plasticizers. The films were characterized through the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were evaluated macroscopically using tensile tests, and at a nanoscale through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation. Thermodynamic studies were conducted to assess their hydrophilic or hydrophobic character. Additionally, in vitro cytocompatibility tests were performed on human keratinocytes. Results from FTIR, TGA, AFM and electron microscopy confirmed the hybrid nature of the films. Both tensile tests and nanomechanical measurements postulated that the nanohybrids improved the films’ toughness and adhesion and optimized the nanoindentation properties. All nanohybrid-loaded films were hydrophilic and non-cytotoxic, showcasing their potential for skin wound applications given their enhanced performance at the macro- and nanoscale.
