Silver nanoparticles loaded triple-layered cellulose-acetate based multifunctional dressing for wound healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Chronic wounds pose significant healing challenges, with current treatments often being prohibitively expensive.
• There is a need for cost-effective wound dressings that promote effective healing.
• Biomaterial-based dressings offer potential for advanced wound care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate affordable triple-layered nanofibrous bandages for chronic wound healing.
• To characterize the morphology, mechanical properties, and degradation of the nanofibrous bandages.
• To evaluate the antibacterial, hemocompatibility, biocompatibility, and in vivo wound healing potential of the fabricated bandages.

Main Methods:

• Layer-by-layer fabrication of a triple-layered nanofibrous bandage using poly vinyl alcohol, cellulose acetate with silver nanoparticles, and polycaprolactone.
• Morphological analysis (SEM), mechanical testing, in vitro degradation studies, and silver ion release assessment.
• Antibacterial assays against E. coli and S. aureus, in vitro hemocompatibility and biocompatibility tests, and in vivo full-thickness wound healing studies.

Main Results:

• The triple-layered nanofibrous bandages exhibited uniform morphology (200-300 nm diameter) and excellent wettability.
• The bandages demonstrated slow degradation, controlled silver ion release, potent antibacterial activity, and suitable mechanical strength (12.72 ± 0.790 MPa).
• In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed excellent hemocompatibility, biocompatibility, and significant wound contraction, supporting full-thickness wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed triple-layered nanofibrous bandages are affordable and possess properties suitable for effective chronic wound management.
• The bandages show promise as a cost-effective alternative to commercial dressings, with potential for clinical application.
• Further pre-clinical evaluation is warranted to advance these nanofibrous dressings towards clinical use.