Sustainable whey proteins-nanostructured zinc oxide-based films for the treatment of chronic wounds: New insights from biopharmaceutical studies

Chronic wounds represent silent epidemic affecting a large portion of the world population, especially the elders; in this context, the development of advanced bioactive dressings is imperative to accelerate wound healing process, while contrasting or preventing infections. The aim of the present work was to provide a deep characterization of the functional and biopharmaceutical properties of a sustainable thin and flexible films, composed of whey proteins alone (WPI) and added with nanostructured zinc oxide (WPZ) and intended for the management of chronic wounds. The potential of whey proteins-based films as wound dressings has been confirmed by their wettability, hydration properties, elastic behavior upon hydration, biodegradation propensity and, when added with nanostructured zinc oxide, antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In-vitro experiments, performed on normal human dermal fibroblasts, confirmed film cytocompatibility, also revealing the possible role of Zn2+ ions in promoting fibroblast proliferation. Finally, in-vivo studies on rat model confirmed film suitability to act as wound dressing, since able to ensure a regular healing process while providing effective protection from infections. In particular, both films WPI and WPZ are responsible for the formation in the wound bed of a continuous collagen layer similar to that of healthy skin.