Exploring Diverse Vegetable Oils in Crafting Next-Gen Bio-Curatives Containing Cellulose Nanofibrils and Chitosan

This study aimed to produce cellulose nanofiber/chitosan membranes, using essential vegetable oils ( Thymus vulgaris, Anethum graveolins, Origanum vulgare, Laurus nobilis and Cominum cyminum ) and a fixed vegetable oil based on Myrocarpus frondosus , for use as wound dressings. Chemical composition of the oils was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS), morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hydrophilicity was evaluated by contact angle measurements. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to evaluate the capacity of cell proliferation of the membranes. Their biocompatibility in relation to human body was ascertained by in vitro cytotoxicity tests, which were performed based on ISO 10993:2009. Each studied vegetable oil presented particular chemical characteristics and remarkable contents of 3-carene beta-linalool and caryophyllene were found. SEM images of the studied membranes demonstrated that their surface became notably rougher upon oil incorporation accompanied by decreases in contact angle, what is highly advantageous for wound dressing applications. Based on both cell proliferation and biocompatibility results, the presence of some specific compounds exerted a far more significant influence than surface roughness and wettability on the bio-curative properties. Cell proliferation capacity increased substantially with the utilization of Anethum essential oil (~35%), which was primarily attributed to the elevated presence of 3-carene, camphor, and carvone. Immunofluorescence tests further corroborated the earlier findings. In summary, within the realm of bio-curatives, Anethum essential oil has proven remarkably efficacious, standing out for its ability to enhance cell proliferation while maintaining favorable cell viability.