Gold nanoparticle embedded color changing film for theranostics application in wound management

The study meant to advance a wound healing film comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), methyl red and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which can facilitate wound healing process and detect the healing process through a color change. The main research question was how to optimize the formulation for superior wound healing capabilities. Six formulations (TF-1 to TF-6) were prepared and evaluated based on moisture absorption rate, folding endurance, color-changing efficacy, in vitro release and in vivo studies. The optimized formulation, TF-4, showed a tensile strength of 2.112 ± 0.622 kg/mm², a moisture transfer rate of 5.5 ± 0.22%, folding endurance greater than 280, in vitro release of 75.19 ± 0.013% and color alteration from yellow to light orange upon pH change and in vivo studies showed no skin irritation. TF-4 also promoted faster wound healing process with earlier wound closure compared to other groups. The conclusion is that the optimized formulation, TF-4, demonstrated superior wound healing process capabilities without any negative skin effects, showing great potential as an effective wound-care method.