Preparation and characterization of a novel gelatin–poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel film loaded with Zataria multiflora essential oil for antibacterial–antioxidant wound‐dressing applications

This study was performed to evaluate the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), gelatin, and PVA–gelatin dispersions and films enriched with Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZO). The results reveal that the ζ potential, particle size, and viscosity values and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the dispersions changed significantly with the addition of ZO to the polymer matrix. Changes in the properties of the dispersions suggested the presence of interactions between PVA or gelatin and ZO. Such interactions could affect the mechanical and water‐barrier properties of the films. ZO induced remarkable decreases in the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and swelling and increases in the elongation at break, solubility, and water‐vapor permeability of the films. Scanning electron microscopy analyses proved the impact of ZO on the film morphology, which affected the film properties, including the mechanical and water‐barrier properties. The addition of ZO to the polymer led to a coarse film microstructure because of the hydrophobic ZO aggregates, which produced discontinuities in the film matrix. ZO considerably increased the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the dispersions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant bacteria. The improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the PVA–ZO and gelatin–ZO indicated that such products could effectively be used as wound dressings. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45351.