Green silver nanoparticles functionalised gelatin nanocomposite film for wound healing: Construction and characterization

Wound dressings have progressed from simple to advance by the interdisciplinary approaches of chemical, materials and biological fields to engineer the functional materials that can improve wound healing by reducing bacterial infections on wound site. In the present study, Praecitrullus fistulosus extract was used for the preparation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via a green synthesis method for wound healing. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized via Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, High-Resolution X-ray Diffractometer (HRXRD), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The gelatin-Neem extract-nanocomposite films were prepared by incorporating green Ag NPs via solvent casting method. The physico-chemical, morphological, structural, thermal, and biological properties of the nanocomposite (NCP) films were determined in order to check their efficacy for wound healing applications. The NCP films were showing significantly higher water absorption capacity, folding endurance, and porosity as compared to the control gelatin (GLT) film. The observed pH of the NCP film was found to be 5.9, which is suitable for human skin. Antibacterial activity of the NCP films against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) was higher compared to GLT film. The surface roughness was found to be 22.7 nm for the NCP film containing Ag NPs. The thermal stability of the GLT film was improved after the incorporation of Ag NPs. The high antimicrobial activity, porosity and improved surface roughness of NCP films would favour the adherence, growth and proliferation of seeded cells that is pre-requisite for ideal dressing materials. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study developed a gelatin-neem extract-nanocomposite film for wound healing by synthesizing silver nanoparticles from Praecitrullus fistulosus extract. The nanocomposite film exhibited high water absorption capacity, antibacterial activity, and surface roughness, which are desirable properties for ideal wound dressings.