The aim of this work was to extract, characterize and incorporate the extract of Passiflora edulis in to chitosan membranes for potential application as wound dressing. The extract was obtained from leaves using hydroalcoholic maceration. The extract (EPE) was analyzed by LC-Mass and Infrared Spectroscopy for identification of characteristic compounds, and further incorporated to chitosan membrane (QEPE). The membranes were obtained by solvent evaporation technique and characterized by

more »

... y (SEM), swelling behavior, moisture content, water-solubility, water vapor permeability, and thermal stability. The interactions between chitosan and the extract were also analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. The presence of flavonoids (hydrophilic compounds) in EPE affected the moisture content, water-solubility and water-vapor permeability of QEPE by increasing these properties in respect to the values found for the chitosan only membrane (QF). No significant difference was observed in the swelling ratio of both membranes. Moreover, a reduction in the enthalpy of fusion and hence in the degree of crystallinity was observed for QEPE, probably due to the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract that difficult orientation and organization of the polymeric chains due to the steric effect. In conclusion, QEPE was flexible, transparent, and homogeneous; demonstrated fluid absorption capacity, water vapor permeability and thermal stability under physiological conditions. Therefore, it has great potential for application in the treatment of skin wounds.