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Preparation and evaluation of antibacterial wound dressing based on vancomycin-loaded silk/dialdehyde starch
Sajjad Khan Einipour1, Mehdi Sadrjahani2, Alireza Rezapour3,4
1Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Abstract:
One of the main reasons infected wounds go untreated is that antibiotic-resistant bacteria mainly cause infection. Vancomycin is an antibiotic used against Gram-positive bacteria, such as MRSA, but it has limited intravenous use due to its toxicity. This study describes using a local drug delivery approach at the wound site. The aim is to prepare a silk dressing containing dialdehyde starch nanoparticles loaded with vancomycin that can cure infection through the controlled release of antibiotics. First, the starch was oxidized by sodium periodate solution and converted to dialdehyde starch. Dialdehyde starch was converted into nanoparticles by the microemulsion method. Simultaneously, with nanoparticle formation, the antibiotic vancomycin (VAN), added to the solution, was loaded into the dialdehyde starch nanoparticles (DASNP). The wound dressing (SF/DASNP/VAN) was prepared by adding nanoparticles containing antibiotics to the silk fibroin (SF) solution, and then, the solution containing the nanoparticles was freeze-dried, and the nanoparticles were placed inside the silk matrix. Drug release of dressings was performed by immersion in phosphate-buffered saline, and cytotoxicity by MTT assay and antibacterial properties of dressings were investigated by the inhibition zone method. The morphology of the SF/DASNP/VAN dressing, its biocompatibility, antibacterial efficiency, and antibiotic release kinetics were assessed. The synthesized dressing has the desired biocompatibility with 69% cell viability and shows antibacterial properties against MRSA with a growth inhibition zone diameter of 12 mm. Also, VAN was successfully incorporated into the dressing, resulting in a 144-h continuous release profile. It may be concluded that the fabricated dressing based on silk and dialdehyde starch nanoparticles opens up a new option for topical administration of antibiotics. We believe its properties can be considered a new dressing for infectious wounds by reducing infection associated with controlled drug delivery.
Insights
This study developed a novel silk dressing with dialdehyde starch nanoparticles loaded with vancomycin for treating antibiotic-resistant wound infections. The dressing offers controlled antibiotic release and antibacterial properties against MRSA.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Wound Healing Technologies
Background:
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, like MRSA, are a major cause of untreated wound infections.
- Vancomycin is effective against Gram-positive bacteria but has limited use due to toxicity.
- Local drug delivery systems are needed to overcome limitations of systemic antibiotic administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a silk-based wound dressing incorporating vancomycin-loaded dialdehyde starch nanoparticles (DASNP).
- To achieve controlled release of vancomycin for effective topical treatment of infected wounds.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, and release kinetics of the novel dressing.
Main Methods:
- Dialdehyde starch nanoparticles (DASNP) were synthesized from starch via oxidation and microemulsion.
- Vancomycin (VAN) was loaded into DASNP during nanoparticle formation.
- Silk fibroin (SF) solution was combined with SF/DASNP/VAN, freeze-dried to form the wound dressing.
- Drug release, cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and antibacterial activity (inhibition zone) were assessed.
Main Results:
- The synthesized silk/DASNP/VAN dressing demonstrated good biocompatibility with 69% cell viability.
- The dressing exhibited significant antibacterial properties against MRSA, with a 12 mm inhibition zone.
- Continuous vancomycin release was sustained for 144 hours, indicating effective controlled delivery.
Conclusions:
- The silk/DASNP/VAN dressing provides a promising new option for topical antibiotic administration.
- This novel dressing facilitates controlled drug delivery for treating infectious wounds.
- The developed material offers a potential solution to reduce infection in wounds through advanced dressing technology.
