Fabrication and characterization of agar-based hydrogel incorporating gelatin-coated silver nanoparticles with...

Diabetic foot ulcers complicated by infection pose significant challenges in wound care, often resulting in prolonged healing times, increased risk of amputation, and substantial healthcare costs. Innovative treatment strategies involving the integration of bio-polymers and nanoparticles into hydrogel formulations offer promising solutions for managing diabetic wounds. This study focuses on synthesizing agar-based hydrogel containing gelatin-coated silver nanoparticles with mupirocin (GAgNPM). Gelatin was isolated from fish skin through acid (GAC) and alkaline pretreatment (GAL) techniques. In comparison to acid pretreatment extraction, the percentage yield of gelatin was higher with alkaline pretreatment at 16.43 ± 0.5%. The isolated GAL and GAC gelatin was characterized based on pH, viscosity, and gel strength. The GAL exhibited a higher pH and viscosity of 6.51 ± 0.1, and 306 ± 1.0 cps, respectively. The isolated GAL gelatin demonstrated superior characteristics and suitability for requiring optimized formulations. Using Design of Expert software, the optimal concentration for GAgNPM formulation was determined through factorial design and desirability approach. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the GAgNPM exhibited a spherical structure. Further, the in vitro antibacterial assay against Staphylococcus aureus and scratch assay were conducted utilizing a 3T3 fibroblasts cell line. Furthermore, the in vitro antibacterial and scratch assays demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) antibacterial and wound healing properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel. These findings strongly support the potential of agar-hydrogel-incorporated gelatin, and silver nanoparticles and mupirocin as an advanced carrier wound dressing material for diabetic wound treatment.