Onosma rutila (Boraginaceae) Plant Extract: Chemical Composition, Biological Analysis, and Film Forming Potential With Polymers.

This study aimed to integrate the ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of endemic Onosma rutila as a new bioactive ingredient into polymeric films and to produce biofunctional composite thin films for use in biomedical applications. Initially, the definition of the plant extract was carried out in terms of chemical composition and biological activities. The main component of the extract was revealed as 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (15.90%). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against a total of five microorganisms by the well diffusion method and microdilution technique. MIC99 results showed the lowest inhibition against Candida albicans, suggesting a stronger antifungal effect than antibacterial activity. Also, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of O. rutila, ascorbic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene at 500 µg/mL showed values ​​of 87.63, 90.13, and 46.82%, respectively. In the next phase, the extract, which was revealed to be an effective biological agent, was incorporated into the polymer solutions prepared based on chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol at different ratios to produce a series of thin films. For application purposes, the thin films' chemical compositions, water retention capacities, and morphological properties were determined and their potential for use as wound dressing material was evaluated.