Development and evaluation of psyllium seed husk polysaccharide based wound dressing films

In the present study, wound dressing films were fabricated using Seed Husk of Psyllium (SHP) complexed with povidone iodine and were evaluated for various physicochemical properties as well as wound healing activity in albino rats. The required film properties for the successful wound dressings, such as film elongation (elasticity), tensile strength, water uptake and water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) were examined. Results indicated that SHP films showed good elasticity (80.27–116.24%) and acceptable tensile strengths (8.33–22.13 N/mm2). SHP films were evaluated for water absorption pattern as well as permeation to water vapours and results showed that films were able to swell in water upto 167 to 191% w/w and WVTR were in the range between 8.23 × 10−3 to 1.12 × 10−4 g.cm2/day. Selected formulation of SHP films with optimum characteristics were loaded with Povidone iodine (PI) solution by soaking method and were evaluated for antimicrobial and wound healing activity on excision wound model. Results indicated that PI loaded films showed significant antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative selected bacteria. PI loaded SHP films showed comparatively better wound healing property to control group with faster epithelialization and greater rates of wound contraction.