Eco-Friendly wound dressing developed by Indian scientists using banana fibres

Date:2024-02-01

Country: India

Application

• Eco-friendly wound dressing: The banana fiber-biopolymer composite patch offers a sustainable, low-cost alternative for wound care with antibacterial and drug release properties.

Description

A wound dressing has been made eco-friendly with the use of banana fibers by Indian scientists in the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST). It originates from the banana pseudostem and is having antimicrobial action, increasing healing speed, and is degradable. It provides an effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic dressings, thereby reducing plastic wastage and implementing healthy, eco-friendly healthcare solutions.

Pathway Description:

The researchers extracted fibers from banana pseudo stems, which are agricultural waste. These fibers were then combined with biopolymers like chitosan and guar gum to form a composite material. The patch was further loaded with an extract from the Vitex negundo L. plant for its antibacterial and drug release properties. This process resulted in an eco-friendly, multifunctional wound dressing material with mechanical strength and antioxidant properties.