AgNP-chitosan hydrogel as a novel antibacterial and wound healing material against methicillin-resistant...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant healthcare challenge due to widespread antibiotic resistance.
• Limited treatment options necessitate the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.
• Nanotechnology offers potential solutions to overcome MRSA's defense mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize a novel Ag-chitosan hydrogel incorporating Urginea indica-derived Ag nanoparticles (NPs).
• To evaluate the efficacy of the Ag-chitosan hydrogel against MRSA bacteria and biofilms.
• To assess the biocompatibility and wound healing potential of the developed hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Ag nanoparticles from Urginea indica and their incorporation into a chitosan hydrogel.
• Characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements.
• In vitro and in vivo studies, including bacterial efficacy, biofilm inhibition, cell line compatibility, and wound healing assessments in a Balb/c mouse model.

Main Results:

• The Ag-chitosan hydrogel was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• The hydrogel demonstrated significant efficacy against targeted bacteria and biofilms.
• In vitro and in vivo assessments confirmed the hydrogel's biocompatibility and ability to promote wound healing.
• The inclusion of U. indica-derived Ag NPs and chitosan enhanced the therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• The developed Ag-chitosan hydrogel is a promising nanotechnology-based intervention for combating MRSA infections.
• This novel material exhibits potent antimicrobial activity and promotes wound healing.
• Further development could lead to effective treatments for challenging infections.