Silver nanoparticle-loaded konjac glucomannan/silk fibroin composite hydrogels for enhanced wound healing

Hydrogel dressings with good biocompatibility and extracellular matrix mimetic structure are important for the treatment of skin wounds. In this study, antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) loaded with konjac glucomannan and silk fibroin (KGM/SF) composite hydrogel were used as a dressing for wound healing. The uniform distribution of Ag NPs on the surface of the hydrogels imparts excellent antibacterial properties to KGM/SF composite hydrogels. Furthermore, the incorporation of Ag NPs into KGM/SF composite hydrogels does not induce significant hemolysis, there by meeting the standards for wound dressings and exhibiting favorable biocompatibility. In addition, the SF distribution of complex hydrogel dressings is rich in amino groups, thus providing excellent biocompatibility and comfort. The KGM/SF composite hydrogels possess a porous network structure, which endows them with excellent water retention and the capability to absorb wound exudate. Additionally, this unique structure creates and maintains an optimal moist environment that facilitates wound healing. The KGM/SF composite hydrogel dressing loaded with Ag NPs exhibits excellent hemostatic ability in the skin defect model, thereby facilitating angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and collagen accumulation to effectively promote wound healing.