Synthesis and biological evaluation of chitin hydrogel/nano ZnO composite bandage as antibacterial wound dressing

We developed chitin hydrogel/nano ZnO composite bandages using chitin hydrogel and ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO). The homogenized mixture of chitin hydrogel and nZnO was freeze-dried to obtain micro-porous composite bandages. The prepared nanocomposite bandages were characterized using FT-IR, XRD and SEM. In addition, blood clotting, antibacterial, swelling, cytocompatibility and cell attachment capability of the prepared nanocomposite bandages were evaluated. The nanocomposite bandages showed enhanced swelling, blood clotting and antibacterial activity. The incorporation of nZnO helped to attain antibacterial activity. Cytocompatibility studies were carried out using human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells proved the non-toxic nature of the composite bandages. HDF cell attachment and infiltration analysis showed that the cells were attached and penetrated into the interior (250 microm) of the nanocomposite bandages. These studies revealed that, this nanocomposite can be used for burn, diabetic and chronic wound defects.