Honey-Based Sodium Alginate-Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Containing Green-Synthesized Chitosan-Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles...

Chronic wounds remain a global health challenge, necessitating advanced materials and methods for effective treatment. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions by enabling innovative wound care strategies. This study presents an antibacterial hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA)/honey (PSH) embedded with chitosan (CH)-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs-CH). The ZnO NPs were synthesized via a green method using phytochemicals from Cerasus microcarpa (wild cherry) wood extract, then coated with CH to enhance antibacterial properties. These NPs were incorporated into the PSH matrix to form a novel nanocomposite hydrogel (PSH/ZnO NPs-CH). Characterization using FE-SEM, EDX, and ATR-FTIR confirmed successful integration and revealed a porous structure beneficial for water absorption and gas exchange. Swelling tests indicated controlled absorption in the ZnO NPs-CH hydrogel, suitable for exudative wounds. Antibacterial assays showed strong activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vivo wound healing studies demonstrated enhanced tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation. Overall, the PSH/ZnO NPs-CH hydrogel shows promise as a multifunctional wound dressing. However, further evaluations are necessary to confirm the reliability and validity of these findings.