Researchers created a wound-dressing film that combines licorice root extract with zinc oxide nanoparticles. When licorice was added, the film's tensile strength nearly doubled (from 6 to 13.2 MPa), its water barrier improved by ~31%, and it showed better antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The licorice extract released slowly and steadily over time, which could mean longer-lasting benefits.

Scientists mixed sodium alginate and xanthan gum (natural thickeners) with tiny halloysite tubes containing zinc oxide and licorice root extract, then tested how the films performed mechanically, thermally, and biologically.

Funding not disclosed in abstract