Novel PVA/collagen composite films loaded with 2-hydroxychalcones for controlled drug delivery and biomedical applications.

This research details the fabrication and assessment of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/collagen composite films infused with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) of two 2-hydroxychalcone derivatives, B1 and B2, intended for controlled drug delivery and melanoma treatment. The drug-release tests indicated a sustained non-Fickian release pattern, achieving a cumulative release of 90.01% over 1740 min for the films loaded with 2% drug, with an encapsulation efficiency of 97 ± 0.8%. Films containing B1 exhibited a faster release rate. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that the unmodified PVA/collagen films preserved nearly complete cell viability (∼99% in NIH3T3 fibroblasts), whereas the films loaded with B1 and B2 promoted fibroblast proliferation by up to 116.96% (B1) and 123.60% (B2) at the 2% concentration. In A375 melanoma cells, a concentration-dependent reduction in viability was observed, with cytotoxicity reaching 23.91% (B1) and 40.53% (B2) at 2% concentration. AO/EB dual-staining analysis confirmed apoptosis, revealing an increase in apoptotic cells from low levels at 0.5% loading to nearly complete late apoptosis at 2% for B1, along with a significant apoptotic response for B2. Consequently, B1-based composites demonstrated enhanced apoptotic activity and faster release, making them suitable for anticancer applications, while B2-based films exhibited better biocompatibility and controlled release, positioning them as promising options for cosmeceutical and wound-healing uses.