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Nanoparticle-Enhanced Collagen Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Management
Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă1, Mihai Alexandru Minculescu1, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu1,2
1Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|March 26, 2025
Summary
New zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in collagen hydrogels show promise for chronic wound healing. These biocompatible materials effectively combat key wound pathogens, offering advanced therapeutic solutions.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Chronic wound infections are a significant clinical problem.
- Antimicrobial nanomaterials and advanced wound dressings offer potential solutions.
- Developing effective treatments for persistent wound infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles.
- To incorporate these nanoparticles into collagen hydrogels for wound healing applications.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of the nanoparticle-loaded hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles.
- Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).
- Antimicrobial testing against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans; biocompatibility assessment with HaCat keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- ZnO and CuO nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized.
- The hydrogels demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens.
- Both ZnO- and CuO-loaded hydrogels were biocompatible, supporting cell viability and proliferation, with ZnO-loaded hydrogels showing superior performance.
- Distinct antimicrobial profiles were observed: CuO for antibacterial, ZnO for antifungal potential.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle-based collagen hydrogels are effective and biocompatible therapeutic agents for chronic wound management.
- Tailored application of ZnO and CuO hydrogels based on specific wound microbial composition is recommended.
- These advanced hydrogels represent innovative tools for improving chronic wound healing outcomes.
