Exploring the synthesis and biomedical potential of banana stem fiber for antimicrobial and wound healing applications

Need for non-toxic materials especially for biomedical application remains the most important driving force for the discovery of nature-derived biomaterials. In particular, fibers and extracts from plants with medicinal value are vastly investigated. One such source is the banana fiber. The lignocellulosic and protein-based structures of banana fibers contribute to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, which are essential attributes for medical use. Despite their promising biocompatibility, banana fibers face challenges such as variability in their mechanical properties and limited raw state performance. This necessitates precise fiber synthesis and advanced processing to obtain biocompatible fibers for biomedical use. This review discusses the chemical constituents, extraction methods, characterization of natural fiber derived from banana pseudo stem, along with the antimicrobial and tissue regeneration potential of banana fiber based biomedical materials recently developed. Further, steps involved in the conversion of banana fiber to useful biomedical material are presented along with fabrication techniques. In addition, challenges and limitations that hurdle research progress, and potential for future biomaterials through functionalization are discussed. Review findings support potential for research intervention at the integration of banana fibers, biopolymers and nanotechnology towards development of efficient wound healing materials. Inherent to the comprehensive coverage of topics, the authors assure that this review will potentially act as a valuable source of information that could boost research and development of banana fiber-based wound healing biomaterials.