Physicochemical Analysis of Neem Extract Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone/2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Application

Physicochemical Analysis of Neem Extract Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone/2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Application

Crystal Hui Man TIONG, Sharol CHIA, Nur Iman Batrisyia MOHD SHAHRUL NIZAM, Nurizzati MOHD DAUD

Abstract. Neem (Azadirachta indica), a medicinal plant known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for wound dressing. However, incorporating its bioactive compounds into stable and mechanically robust dressing matrices remains challenging due to compatibility and structural integrity issues. This study explores the fabrication and characterization of neem extract (NE)-loaded electrospun nanofibers composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), focusing on the effect of polymer ratios on their physicochemical and mechanical properties. The presence of hydrogen bonding and host–guest complex formation among NE, PVP, and HPβCD was confirmed, indicating enhanced polymer compatibility and structural stability. Tensile testing revealed that increasing PVP concentration enhanced tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus, indicating improved flexibility and durability of the nanofibers. The optimized sample NE/PVP/HPβCD formulation (1:15:5) exhibited superior mechanical resilience and strong molecular compatibility, making it suitable for advanced wound dressing applications. Optimizing PVP concentrations enables tunable structural stability and mechanical properties, offering a promising plant-based nanofiber for advanced wound dressings.

Keywords
Neem Extract, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin, Electrospinning, Nanofiber, Wound Dressing

Published online 1/15/2026, 7 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Crystal Hui Man TIONG, Sharol CHIA, Nur Iman Batrisyia MOHD SHAHRUL NIZAM, Nurizzati MOHD DAUD, Physicochemical Analysis of Neem Extract Loaded Polyvinylpyrrolidone/2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-Cyclodextrin Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Application, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 59, pp 170-176, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903957-22

The article was published as article 22 of the book Separation Technology

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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