| Abstract: | This study presents a novel design of an easily stripped bilayer composite that consists of an upper layer of soybean protein nonwoven fabric coated with a lower layer, genipin‐crosslinked chitosan and Bletilla striata herbal extract (GCB) film as a wound dressing material (GCB/NWF). Preliminary tests investigated the in vitro characteristics of the genipin‐crosslinked chitosan (GC) film. Experimental results showed that the dark bluish color of the GC film may have resulted from the reaction of genipin with the amino acid group in the chitosan solution. Additionally, adding more wt% genipin caused the bluish color of the GC films to be darker. This new wound dressing material also exhibited good mechanical properties. Genipin and chitosan were released from the soaked GC film. Cytotoxic test revealed that 20 ppm of the genipin in the culture medium could be criteria, over which cytotoxicity to L929 fibroblasts could be produced. However, the chitosan and B. striata herbal extract not only were not toxic but also promoted the viability and growth of L929 fibroblasts. Additionally, the GCB film more effectively supported cell attachment and growth. The in vivo histological assessment results revealed that epithelialization and reconstruction of the wound were achieved by covering the wound with the GCB/NWF wound dressing material, and it would be easily stripped from the wound surface without damaging newly regenerated tissue. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers |
