Karpets M. V., Greyda O. V.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ANTIMYCOTIC POLYMER FILMS MODIFIED WITH WILLOW EXTRACT

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About the author:

Karpets M. V., Greyda O. V.

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METHODS AND METHODOLOGIES

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Scientific article

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Polymer films are highly demanded in medicine due to their biocompatibility and stability. The treatment of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), affecting 20–70% of the European population, remains an urgent issue, particularly among military personnel due to the prolonged wearing of closed footwear. In mycoses, the natural acidic pH of the skin (4.7–5.7) shifts toward the alkaline side, which promotes fungal growth (specifically Candida). The study aims to develop a biocompatible polymer film based on PVA and an ethanolic willow extract with prolonged antifungal activity for the treatment of tinea pedis. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) served as the film base, with lactic acid used as a crosslinking agent. Chemical crosslinking of the chains was performed via thermal activation in a microwave field (pulsed mode, 400 W). To impart therapeutic properties, a 10% ethanolic extract of young willow shoots (a source of salicylates and polyphenols) was incorporated. The release kinetics of active substances were studied spectrophotometrically (λ=340 nm). Antifungal activity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer agar diffusion method against 5 strains of yeast and mycelial fungi (Candida, Rhodotorula, Geotrichum, Aspergillus). Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test in R 4.5.1 (2025). The crosslinked films demonstrate water stability for up to 1 month. The degree of swelling (ɑ, %) increases during the first 3 hours due to the hydrophilicity of the matrix, and decreases after 24 hours due to the partial degradation of the network. The addition of willow extract reduces swelling compared to the base film, owing to the formation of hydrogen bonds between tannins/polyphenols and PVA. The introduction of willow extract lowers the film’s pH from 5.3 to 3.11, restoring the epidermis to acidic values and inactivating the fungi. Spectrophotometry confirmed a prolonged action: after an initial release of phenols from the surface (first 30 min, A340 =0.830) and matrix swelling, a stable diffusion of active substances from deeper layers begins from the 3rd hour (А340=0.746 and 0.750 after 24 hours). Microbiological tests showed that the base film inhibits Candida albicans (zone of inhibition 21.11±0.54 mm) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (27.02±0.88 mm). Films with willow extract exhibited a potent fungicidal, anti-sporulation, and barrier effect against mold strains: Aspergillus flavus (30.05±1.23 mm) and Aspergillus niger (39.7±0.49). Elastic antimycotic films with prolonged action and high moisture-absorbing capacity have been developed. They act as an exogenous pH regulator and possess pronounced activity against opportunistic fungi. The next phase of the study involves conducting dermatological tests to evaluate the safety and biocompatibility of the films on skin.

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Bibliography:

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 3, 182, 390-394 pages, index UDC 678.744-416:544.77

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-3-182-390-394