CHITOSAN-ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL FILMS: EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL INTEGRITY AND BIOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITIES

Objective: To develop and characterize chitosan-based films enriched with rose essential oil as a natural, bioactive wound dressing. Methods: Films were prepared using chitosan as the matrix polymer with rose essential oil incorporated at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w) concentrations. Physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity were evaluated to assess their potential for wound healing applications. Results: The films exhibited uniform thickness (0.15–0.22 mm) and weight (0.28–0.38 g) with skin-compatible pH (5.8–6.2). Swelling capacity wasdecreasedwithincreasingroseoil concentration (0.5%: ~250%, 1%: ~188%, 2%: ~120%), indicating controlled fluid uptake. Antioxidant activity rose in a concentration-dependent manner (0.5%: 35% ±2, 1%: 48% ±3, 2%: 62% ±4 DPPH inhibition). Antimicrobial tests showed increased inhibition zones versus control for S. aureus (12–18 mm vs 8 mm), E. coli (10–16 mm vs 7 mm), and C. albicans (8–14 mm vs 6 mm). These findings support enhanced bioactivity with higher rose oil loading.Conclusion: Chitosan films enriched with rose essential oil demonstrated favorable physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, supporting their potential as effective natural wound dressings and bioactive delivery systems.