Fabrication of Pistacia atlantica Desf. Oil-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles in Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofibers: Biocompatibility and Antioxidant Properties for Skin Care Applications

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Biology, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

3 Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive nutritional and phytochemical analysis of Pistacia atlantica Desf. fruit (PAF), which revealed a high fat content (33.90%) and carbohydrate content (62.41%), identifying it as a significant energy source. Phytochemical profiling demonstrated notable levels of phenolics (17.70 ± 1.59 mg GAE/g dry weight) and flavonoids (6.46 ± 0.35 mg CE/g), contributing to substantial antioxidant properties. A novel nanocomposite was developed by encapsulating Pistacia atlantica oil (PAO) within chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) using ionic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate, followed by embedding these nanoparticles into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. Characterization of the resulting nanocomposite revealed a mean particle size of 104.76 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.41, indicating a uniform size distribution. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of PAO was consistent across formulations, while the loading capacity (LC%) increased with higher CNP content, achieving a maximum of 32.37% for a PVA ratio of 1:2. Antioxidant assays confirmed robust activity, with FRAP and DPPH values of 79.4 ± 2.1 µmol ESF/100g and an IC₅₀ of 7344.7 µg/mL, respectively. Cell viability assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with CNP and PVA-CNP formulations maintaining over 82% viability in human dermal fibroblast cells. The CNP-PVA nanofiber system infused with PAO demonstrates controlled release, robust antioxidant properties, and superior biocompatibility, positioning it as a potential solution for wound healing and skin care needs

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 14, Issue 5
September and October 2025
Pages 441-449

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