Multifunctional PVA/Collagen/Lignin Composite Films and Nanofibers for UV Protection, Anticancer Activity, and Sustained Drug Delivery

Composite films and nanofibers were synthesized from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), collagen, and lignin (0.25%–2%) using solution‐casting and electrospinning techniques, with the objective of investigating their applications in the skincare sector. The UV absorption characteristics of the composite films and nanofibers revealed that films and fibers containing 2% lignin demonstrated a sun protection factor (SPF) of 28.86 and 39.18, and an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 103.77 and 136.83, respectively, both exhibiting a blocking capacity of 99% for UVA and UVB radiation. Toxicity assessments indicated that these films and fibers were nontoxic, as evidenced by the proliferation assay conducted on NIH3T3 cells. Additionally, the anticancer efficacy of both films and fibers was evaluated on A375 melanoma cells, which revealed cytotoxicity of 32.89 ± 0.87% for films and 36.67 ± 0.82% for nanofibers. The apoptosis study indicated that increasing concentrations of lignin resulted in a higher incidence of yellow‐green nuclei, suggesting an early apoptotic effect of these fibers on melanoma cells. Furthermore, in vitro sustained drug release experiments conducted on 2% lignin‐doped nanofibers at pH 7 followed zero‐order kinetics, indicating that the controlled delivery is diffusion in nature.