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Composite Hydrogels with Embedded Silver Nanoparticles and Ibuprofen as Wound Dressing
Irina Popescu1, Marieta Constantin1, Gheorghe Solcan2
1"Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 25, 2023
Summary
This study presents a novel chitosan/PVA hydrogel incorporating silver nanoparticles and ibuprofen. The advanced wound dressing demonstrates potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, accelerating healing by promoting cell activity and tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Wound Healing Research
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Bacterial infections and inflammation significantly impede wound healing.
- Chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels show promise for wound management due to inherent antibacterial properties.
- Need for advanced wound dressings with combined antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions to accelerate healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a composite hydrogel based on Chitosan (CS) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA).
- To incorporate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for antibacterial activity and ibuprofen (Ib) for anti-inflammatory effects.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the developed hydrogel as a wound dressing for accelerated healing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a composite hydrogel using CS and PVA via double physical cross-linking (oxalic acid and freeze-thawing).
- Loading the hydrogel with specific concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ibuprofen (Ib).
- Characterization of mechanical properties, swelling degree, and drug release kinetics.
- In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- In vivo evaluation of wound healing acceleration by analyzing key biomarkers (TNF alpha, Cox2, MHCII, Col I, αSMA).
Main Results:
- The CS/PVA/AgNPs/Ib hydrogel exhibited favorable mechanical properties (compressive modulus = 132 kPa) and high swelling capacity.
- Sustained release of ibuprofen and potent antibacterial activity against tested pathogens were observed.
- In vivo studies demonstrated accelerated wound regeneration, evidenced by enhanced expression of inflammatory, cellular proliferation, immune response, and tissue remodeling markers.
Conclusions:
- The developed Chitosan/PVA hydrogel effectively combines antibacterial (AgNPs) and anti-inflammatory (Ib) properties.
- The composite hydrogel significantly promotes wound healing by modulating inflammation and enhancing cellular processes.
- This CS/PVA/AgNPs/Ib hydrogel shows considerable potential for use as an advanced wound dressing.
