o:37544 Design and Optimization of Pullulan-Isononanoate Films with Bioactive-Loaded Liposomes for Potential Biomedical Use en This study reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of pullulan-isononanoate (Pull-Iso), as well as the preparation and characterization of Pull-Iso films incorporating liposomes loaded with silibinin (SB) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) extract (STExt), to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of pullulan-based biomaterials for potential biomedical applications. Pullulan was successfully esterified with isononanoic acid chloride, as confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Modification significantly reduced the glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating enhanced chain mobility due to the introduction of bulky side chains. Prepared liposomes, embedding SB and extracted smoke tree compounds, exhibited particle sizes ~2000 nm with moderate polydispersity (~0.340) and zeta potential values around –20 mV, demonstrating lower colloidal stability over 60 days, thereby justifying their encapsulation within films. Optical microscopy revealed uniform liposome dispersion in Pull-Iso film with 0.5 g of liposomes, while higher liposome loading (0.75 g of liposomes) induced aggregation and microstructural irregularities. Mechanical analysis showed a reduction in tensile strength and strain at higher liposome content. The incorporation of liposomes encapsulating STExt and SB significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of Pull-Iso-based films in a concentration-dependent manner, as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. These preliminary findings suggest that pullulan esterification and controlled liposome incorporation may enable the development of flexible, bioactive-loaded films, which could represent a promising platform for advanced wound dressing applications, warranting further investigation. pullulan-isononanoate; Liposomes; biopolymer films; silibinin; esterification; smoke tree 1552099 https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020305 2026-01-23T09:07:13.806Z 44 yes 46 Amjed Karkad Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia Aleksandar Marinković University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Karnegijeva 4, Belgrade, Serbia person Aleksandra A. Jovanović University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, Serbia doktor tehnoloških nauka person 0000-0001-5394-0125 Katarina Simić Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia person Stefan Ivanović Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia person Milena Milošević Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia person Tamara Erceg Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia person application/pdf 1983786 https://phaidrabg.bg.ac.rs/o:37544 no yes 16 70 92000001 11A41 11A29 11A2910 11A24 Design and Optimization of Pullulan-Isononanoate Films with Bioactive-Loaded Liposomes for Potential Biomedical Use 305 18 2 Polymers Basel, Switzerland MDPI 2026