In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute affiliated with the Department of Science and Technology, have successfully converted banana pseudo stems—commonly regarded as agricultural waste—into an environmentally friendly wound dressing material.
Innovative Multifunctional Patch
- The research team, led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury and Prof. (Retd) Rajlakshmi Devi, combined banana fibers with biopolymers like chitosan and guar gum to create a multifunctional patch with excellent mechanical strength and antioxidant properties.
Harnessing Nature’s Bounty
- Researchers loaded the patch with an extract from the Vitex negundo L. plant, demonstrating its capabilities in drug release and as antibacterial agents.
- All materials used are natural and locally available, making the manufacturing process simple, cost-effective, and non-toxic.
A Sustainable Solution
- The wound dressing material offers a sustainable solution for wound care, utilizing abundant banana plants and minimizing environmental impact.
- Prof. Chowdhury emphasizes the potential of this innovation in biomedical research, offering a low-cost, reliable, and environmentally friendly alternative.
- Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules by Elsevier, this groundbreaking research highlights its significance in the scientific community.