Development of bio-nanocomposite film based on sodium alginate-CuO nanoparticles and essential oils towards medical applications

Today we are utilizing numerous biopolymers for various purposes owing to its intrinsic biodegradable properties. However, they have exceptionally poor mechanical properties, for example, very less tensile strength. We can utilize nanomaterial in biopolymer matrix to improve mechanical strengths as well as to make the film biodegradable. Nowadays many researches are underway on the improvement of physico-chemical and mechanical properties of bio-nanocomposite. Several research works are utilizing antimicrobial essential oils in biopolymer matrix to improve antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite in view of its medicinal applications. CuO modified essential oils (neem oil, eucalyptus oil, and clove oil) based sodium alginate bio-nanocomposite film was prepared by the solvent casting method. Synthesised bio-nanocomposite films were characterized by using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS. XRD analysis had verified that nano CuO has been successfully incorporated into alginate. FTIR uncovers that nano CuO was attached with alginate just by the physical or weak interaction. The EDS analysis reveals the presence of copper, sulphur and other elements. SEM results confirm that the nano particles were dispersed homogeneously in the films. Overall, it is concluded that the alginate/CuO bio-nanocomposite films could be used as material for medical purpose like wound healing by adding essential oils such as neem oil, eucalyptus oil and clove oil.