Biopolymer Composite Films with Naringin for Wound Healing Applications

This study focused on the development and characterization of bioactive polymeric patches based on agar–chitosan and gellan–chitosan matrices, with and without naringin, aiming to identify formulations with optimal physicochemical and biological performance. FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses confirmed effective crosslinking, stable incorporation of the bioactive compound, and high thermal stability of the patches. Antimicrobial testing against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591 demonstrated that naringin-loaded agar–chitosan films, particularly those with lower chitosan and glutaraldehyde content, exhibited significant activity (MIC = 12.5 mg/mL; inhibition zone 27.67 ± 0.58 mm). Biocompatibility studies, including local skin irritation in rabbits and 28-day topical application in mice, showed no adverse effects. Anti-inflammatory evaluation using the λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema model indicated modest activity of naringin under acute conditions. Overall, agar–chitosan films offered tunable properties and reproducible bioactive incorporation, while gellan–chitosan films provided mechanically robust matrices suitable for further optimization. The results highlight the potential of agar–chitosan patches as biocompatible, structurally stable, and antimicrobial platforms for topical and transdermal delivery of bioactive flavonoids.