New Delhi, Feb 29: Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Assam have pioneered an eco-friendly and cost-effective wound dressing material utilizing banana fibres, a byproduct abundantly discarded post-harvest.
Led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury and Prof. (Retd) Rajlakshmi Devi, the research team ingeniously combined banana pseudostems with biopolymers like chitosan and guar gum, resulting in a multifunctional patch boasting remarkable mechanical strength and antioxidant properties.
The patch was further enhanced with an extract from the Vitex negundo L. plant, showcasing its potential as a vehicle for in vitro drug release and as an antibacterial agent.
All components of this innovative dressing material are natural and locally sourced, rendering the manufacturing process simple, cost-effective, and environmentally benign, according to the team.
“This breakthrough ushers in a new era in wound healing, offering a sustainable, economical, and eco-friendly alternative with significant biomedical research implications,” remarked Prof. Chowdhury in a statement.
Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, the study highlights the potential of the banana fibre-biopolymer composite dressing to revolutionize wound care, with its versatile applications and positive environmental impact.
The development presents a sustainable solution for wound care while also offering potential benefits to farmers and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
