Chemical and Biological Properties of Trachyspermum ammi Encapsulated in Gelatin Nanofilms

Development of biodegradable and biocompatible films based on the protein polymer with strong antibacterial activities is gradually obtained extensive concern in the world. In this study, improvement of chitosan film properties incorporated with Trachyspermum ammiessential oil as a potential antioxidant/antibacterial wound dressing was investigated. Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin solutions (10% w/v) containing Trachyspermum ammiessential oil TAM (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w), glycerol (25% w/w) as plasticizer, and glutaraldehyde (2% w/w) as crosslinker. The mechanical, water solubility, water swelling, water vapor permeability, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the films were measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials. Gelatin films exhibited good tensile strength and elongation at break, water solubility, swelling, and water vapor permeability. Incorporation of TAM into the gelatin films caused a significant decrease in tensile strength and swelling, and a significant increase in elongation at break, water solubility, water vapor permeability and whiteness of the films. Gelatin films exhibited low antioxidant activity while gelatin films incorporated with TAM exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. The films incorporated with TAM also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against both Grampositive and Gramnegative bacteria. Our results suggest that the gelatin/TA films could be used as a very attractive alternative to traditional materials for different biomedical applications.