Preparation and characterization of natural rubber latex films containing red propolis and copper for biomedical applications

Wound healing can be delayed by resistance and intolerance of several topical antimicrobials that are often used for this purpose, and it is therefore desirable to develop dressings with materials that have angiogenic and bactericidal properties. In this study, natural rubber latex films containing red propolis and copper deposited by the magnetron sputtering technique were prepared. The films were then characterized physicochemically and biologically using several analytical tools. In general, the set of results indicated that natural rubber latex/red propolis/copper films can be considered as an alternative to traditional wound dressings; however, deeper studies, such as on the cytotoxicity and improvement of the hydrophilicity of the films, are still necessary. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)