Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Formulation of Zinc-Based Nanomaterials using the Eucommia ulmoides Bark Extract and their Wound Healing Potential
Published on: December 27, 2024
Antimicrobial Lignin-Based Polyurethane/Ag Composite Foams for Improving Wound Healing
Shuqi Li1,2, Yansheng Zhang3,4, Xiaozhen Ma1,3
1Key Laboratory of Bio-based Polymeric Materials Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Laboratory of Polymers and Composites, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China.
This study introduces novel lignin-based polyurethane foams (LPUFs) incorporating silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for advanced wound care. These biodegradable Ag NP-LPUFs demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity and promote effective wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional polyurethane foams, while useful, are petroleum-derived and bioinert, limiting their biomedical potential.
- There is a critical need for advanced antimicrobial materials in modern wound management.
- Developing sustainable and effective wound dressings is a key challenge in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, biodegradable antimicrobial material for wound care applications.
- To create lignin-based polyurethane foams (LPUFs) with *in situ* synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs).
- To evaluate the mechanical, thermal, antibacterial, and wound healing properties of the developed Ag NP-LPUF composite foam.
Main Methods:
- A simple one-step foaming method was employed to synthesize LPUFs using biobased polyether polyols.
- Liquefied lignin's phenolic hydroxyl groups acted as reducing and capping agents for *in situ* silver nanoparticle formation.
- The resulting lignin polyurethane/Ag composite foam (Ag NP-LPUF) was characterized for its properties.
Main Results:
- The Ag NP-LPUF exhibited enhanced mechanical and thermal stability compared to traditional foams.
- Demonstrated significant *in vitro* antibacterial activity, achieving >99% inhibition against *Escherichia coli* within 1 hour and *Staphylococcus aureus* within 4 hours.
- In vivo studies in mice showed that the Ag NP-LPUF effectively promoted the healing of full-thickness skin defects.
Conclusions:
- The developed Ag NP-LPUF is a promising biodegradable antimicrobial material for wound dressings.
- This biobased composite foam offers improved efficacy and sustainability for clinical wound care.
- The findings highlight the potential for translating this technology into practical wound management solutions.
