Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska

Bakuchiol (BAK) is a plant-derived bioactive compound increasingly used in skincare formulations, occurring in its pure form as a yellow to amber-colored oily liquid. However, its incorporation into biodegradable polymeric films intended for cosmetic applications has received limited attention. In this study, sodium alginate (ALG) films containing increasing amounts of a BAK/Tween 80 mixture were developed by solvent casting and characterized in terms of their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, optical, morphological, surface, and antioxidant properties. BAK and Tween 80 were incorporated at a constant 1:1 (w/w) ratio, and the ALG/(BAK + Tween 80) ratio was varied from 8:1 to 1:1. Increasing BAK/Tween 80 mixture content resulted in concentration-dependent changes in film properties. At lower mixture contents, film extensibility increased to 61.42% for ALG/BAK 4:1, whereas a higher BAK/Tween 80 amount considerably increased stiffness and tensile strength. Increasing mixture content reduced moisture content and water vapor transmission and progressively altered film color and transparency, while enhanced UV protection, with UVA blocking exceeding 99.97% and complete UVB blocking (100%) in all BAK/Tween 80-containing films. SEM analysis revealed substantial differences in microstructure, with ALG/BAK 4:1 exhibiting the most homogeneous and compact morphology, whereas higher mixture contents promoted porosity. Antioxidant activity also increased with increasing mixture content, achieving a maximum of 74.88% DPPH radical-scavenging activity at ALG/BAK 1:1. It is worth noting that the observed changes reflect the combined effects of BAK and Tween 80 incorporation and the resulting changes in film composition and microstructure. These findings demonstrate the potential of these films as biodegradable functional materials for potential topical cosmetic applications, while further studies with independently varied BAK and Tween 80 concentrations are warranted to distinguish their individual contributions.

Konjac glucomannan (KG) is a biocompatible polysaccharide with limited functional performance in its native form, motivating modification strategies to enhance its properties. This study investigates the effect of gallic acid (GA) functionalization on the structural, physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and biological properties of KG-based films. FTIR analysis confirmed that GA interacts with KG primarily through non-covalent hydrogen bonding without disrupting the polymer backbone. Modification with GA enabled concentration-dependent tuning of surface energy, roughness, hydration behavior, and water vapor permeability. Mechanical testing revealed a significant increase in stiffness and tensile strength accompanied by reduced elongation at higher GA contents. Antioxidant activity was markedly enhanced even at low GA concentrations. All films exhibited excellent hemocompatibility, while cytocompatibility toward human fibroblasts depended on GA content. Optical analysis indicated moderate color changes without severe discoloration. Overall, GA functionalization effectively improves the functional performance of KG films while preserving polymer integrity. Hence, GA-modified KG films as promising candidates for biomedical applications (like wound dressing) requiring antioxidant activity, controlled hydration, and biocompatibility.

Chronic wounds and bacterial infections present significant challenges in tissue regeneration, demanding the development of advanced bioactive materials that balance biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and tunable physical properties. This study explores the multifunctional role of phytic acid (PA) when incorporated into biopolymer films based on konjac glucomannan (KG) and hyaluronic acid (HA), focusing on how the matrix composition modulates PA's effects on film properties relevant to biomedical applications. PA incorporation significantly influenced water uptake, mechanical strength, and surface characteristics in a matrix‐dependent manner. In HA‐based films, PA promoted matrix compaction, reduced water content, and enhanced antioxidant activity, whereas in KG‐based films, PA induced an increase in water retention and less pronounced antioxidant effects. Surface energy and wettability were favorably altered by PA in both systems, supporting potential improvements in cell–material interactions. Cytocompatibility assays confirmed the nontoxic nature of the films, with KG‐based formulations demonstrating higher metabolic compatibility. Notably, PA incorporation suppressed bacterial metabolic activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli , especially in HA‐based matrices, while Staphylococcus aureus remained largely unaffected. These results underscore the potential of PA as a tunable additive and natural crosslinking agent and highlight the importance of polymer selection in optimizing film functionality. Finally, this work offers valuable insights into the development of sustainable, bioactive materials suitable for tissue engineering such as wound healing.

Biopolymer-based films have attracted increasing attention as sustainable and bioactive materials for wound management. Among them, chitosan (CTS) and starch (ST) blend represent promising candidate due to their natural origin, biodegradability, and intrinsic biological activity; however, their mechanical weakness and limited stability necessitate additional modification. This study reports the development and characterization of CTS-ST thin films crosslinked with dialdehyde alginate (ADA), synthesized via controlled oxidation. Two ADA variants differing in aldehyde group content were prepared to investigate the effect of crosslinking on the structural, physicochemical, and biological performance of the materials. The films were fabricated by blending 2% w/v CTS and ST in varying mass ratios (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75), followed by the addition of ADA (5% w/w) and glycerol (5% w/w) as a plasticizer. The mixtures were then cast onto plates and dried under ambient conditions. Comprehensive characterization included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, moisture content analysis, contact angle measurements, antioxidant activity assay, hemolysis testing, and cytotoxicity evaluation using human keratinocyte cells. The results demonstrated that both the ADA variant and CTS/ST ratio significantly influenced crosslinking efficiency, hydrophilicity, and antioxidant behavior. All samples exhibited non-hemolytic behavior and no significant cytotoxic effects, indicating their favorable biocompatibility. The combination of biostability, antioxidant ability, and absence of cytotoxic effects highlights the potential of ADA-crosslinking CTS/ST films for further development as wound dressing materials and other biomedical applications.

Melatonin, a natural hormone with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, has gained increasing attention in tissue engineering for its ability to enhance the therapeutic potential of biopolymeric scaffolds. These scaffolds, designed to mimic the extracellular matrix, provide structural support and a bioactive environment for tissue regeneration. By integrating melatonin, researchers aim to create multifunctional scaffolds that promote cell proliferation, modulate inflammatory responses, and improve wound healing outcomes. Challenges in utilizing melatonin include maintaining its stability under light, heat, and oxygen exposure, and optimizing its release profile for sustained therapeutic effects. Innovative fabrication methods, such as electrospinning, 3D printing, and lyophilization, have enabled precise control over scaffold architecture and melatonin delivery. These techniques ensure enhanced interactions with target tissues and tailored regeneration processes. Combining melatonin with growth factors, cytokines, and antimicrobial agents offers the potential for multifunctional applications, from chronic wound management to bone and nerve regeneration. Continued research in this field promises transformative solutions in regenerative medicine, expanding the clinical applicability of melatonin-enriched scaffolds. This review highlights the current progress, challenges, and opportunities associated with harnessing melatonin’s therapeutic potential within tissue engineering frameworks.

Chitosan (CTS) has emerged as a promising biopolymer for wound healing due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and intrinsic bioactive properties. This study explores the development and characterization of CTS-based films enhanced with natural bioactive agents, aloe vera (A), gluconolactone (GL), and sorbitol (S), to improve their mechanical, antimicrobial, and regenerative performance for potential use in advanced wound care. A series of CTS-based films were fabricated with varying concentrations of A, GL, and S, and their physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties were comprehensively evaluated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis revealed modifications in the film structure attributable to these additives, influencing the surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability. Biocidal assays confirmed enhanced antimicrobial activity, particularly in films containing GL and A. Biodegradation studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in microbial decomposition of the films, while cytocompatibility tests confirmed minimal cytotoxic effects and improved cellular response. This research underscores the potential of combining CS with A, GL, and S to engineer multifunctional biomaterials tailored for effectively tackling different phases of the wound healing process, offering a sustainable and biocompatible alternative for clinical applications.

Chitosan and collagen are natural polymers widely used in biomaterials science; however, their inherent low stability and solubility present several challenges to obtain formulations suitable for potential clinical applications. In this study, tannic acid (TA) was employed as a cross-linker to improve the properties of thin films made from chitosan and collagen. In addition, potassium silicate (PS) was added as an inorganic filler, to produce innovative biocomposite films. The impact of TA and PS on physicochemical (i.e., material homogeneity, surface free energy, degradation, and stability roughness of surface), antioxidant, hemocompatibility, as well as cellular responses was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of TA significantly enhanced the physicochemical properties of the chitosan/collagen-based films. The addition of 5% PS resulted in an increase in surface free energy and a decrease in roughness parameters. Furthermore, both surface free energy and cellular responses improved with the increased TA concentration in the biocomposite firms. Meanwhile, the hemolysis rate remained below 5%, indicating the potential suitability of these materials for medical applications, such as coatings or scaffolds for bone or skin wound healing.

As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; Olea europaea) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity. The results indicated a significant impact of the incorporation of OLE into this polymeric matrix, increasing hydrophobicity, decreasing surface free energy, and enhancing surface roughness, albeit with slight reductions in mechanical properties. Notably, these modified materials exhibited significant bacteriostatic, bactericidal and anti-adhesive activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PLA/PEG/OLE films demonstrated considerable potential for advanced food packaging, facilitating interactions between products and their environment. This capability ensures the preservation and extension of food shelf life, safeguards against microbial contamination, and maintains the overall quality, safety, and integrity of the packaged food. These findings suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable and effective food packaging films.

To improve wound healing, advanced biofabrication techniques are proposed here to develop customized wound patches to release bioactive agents targeting cell function in a controlled manner. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted “smart” patches, based on methacrylated gellan gum (GGMA), loaded with tannic acid (TA) or L-ascorbic acid (AA) have been manufactured. To improve stability and degradation time, gellan gum (GG) was chemically modified by grafting methacrylic moieties on the polysaccharide backbone. GGMA patches were characterized through physicochemical, morphological and mechanical evaluation. Kinetics release and antioxidant potential of TA and AA as well as antimicrobial activity against common pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in accordance with ISO 22196:2011 are reported. The cytocompatibility of the patches was demonstrated by direct and indirect tests on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) as per ISO 10993. The positive effect of GGMA patches on cell migration was assessed through a wound healing assay. The results highlighted that the patches are cytocompatible, speed up wound healing and can swell upon contact with the hydration medium and release TA and AA in a controlled way. Overall, the TA- and AA-loaded GGMA patches demonstrated suitable mechanical features; no cytotoxicity; and antioxidant, antimicrobial and wound healing properties, showing satisfactory potential for wound dressing applications.

Introduction: Tannic acid and gallic acid have been known as natural compounds with antibacterial activity. In this work, the antimicrobial efficiency of tannic acid (TA) and gallic acid (GA), as well as their mixtures, was tested. Method: During the research, the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and fractional inhibitory concentration were defined. Based on them, for further study, mixtures of TA/GA in ratios 50:50 and 80:20 were chosen as a preservation mixture applied to the cosmetic emulsion. Results: The obtained cosmetics emulsions were analyzed for the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count and the total combined yeast count. The preservation efficiency test was performed according to the ISO 11930 standard. A stability test for cosmetics formulation was also carried out. Conclusion: The preservation mixture of TA/GA in an 80:20 ratio incorporated in the cosmetics formulation showed good preservation efficiency and could be considered a natural origin preservative.