Virtual Booth

Wounds with active bleeding and high infection risk remain a major clinical challenge, particularly when complicated by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study developed a novel hydrogel wound dressing fabricated from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish scale gelatin combined with banana pith (Musa sapientum) juice and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extract. Gelatin was extracted via alkaline-acid treatment (Bloom strength 185 ± 12 g; yield 8.4%). Hydrogel films at ratio 1:2:2 (gelatin:banana pith:turmeric extract) were fabricated and evaluated for antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 25923 (Disc Diffusion) and hemostatic activity (in vitro Clotting Time Assay). The hydrogel exhibited a Zone of Inhibition of 15.7 ± 0.9 mm and reduced blood clotting time by 38.4 ± 2.8% versus control (p < 0.01). Water absorption reached 312.5 ± 18.3% with structural stability maintained for 14 days. These findings demonstrate the potential of this eco-friendly, low-cost formulation as a dual-function hemostatic and antibacterial wound dressing.