One-pot synthesis of ZnO nanobelt-like structures in hyaluronan hydrogels for wound dressing applications

In this study, hyaluronic acid-zinc oxide ((HA-ZnO) nanocomposite hydrogels (NCHs) were prepared by one-pot synthesis method. In particular, one-pot process facilitated the rapid formation of a network structure of HA hydrogel with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) crosslinker followed by the formation of ZnO nanobelt-like structures, which was confirmed using ¹H NMR, FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The rheology, swelling, and biodegradable behavior were assessed. The cell proliferation and adhesion were retained (similar to HA hydrogels) after the incorporation of ZnO in the hydrogels treated with Human Skin Fibroblasts (CCD-986k). An examination of the hemostatic property of the hydrogels confirmed the good hemostatic properties of HA-ZnO NCHs. An antibacterial study against both gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria revealed their excellent antibacterial efficacy. However, the antiadhesive bacterial property of HA hydrogels was slightly reduced with the incorporation of ZnO. In summary, one-pot synthesis of ZnO nanobelt-like structures in HA hydrogels may be excellent candidates for cell adhesive, hemostatic, and antibacterial materials for wound dressing applications.