Optimized Photo-Crosslinked Pectin Nanocomposite Hydrogel Incorporating Chitosan-Capped Silver Nanoparticles for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Advanced wound dressings are crucial for effective healing.
• Nanocomposite hydrogels offer unique properties for biomedical applications.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit potent antimicrobial activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and optimize a photo-crosslinked nanocomposite hydrogel for enhanced wound healing.
• To incorporate chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) for antimicrobial efficacy.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Main Methods:

• Pectin methacrylate (PAM) synthesis and characterization.
• Hydrogel fabrication via photopolymerization and optimization using Box-Behnken design.
• Microwave-assisted synthesis of CS-AgNPs and their incorporation into the hydrogel.
• In vitro biocompatibility (fibroblast cell line) and antibacterial assays (S. aureus, E. coli).

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized PAM with a 36.05% degree of substitution.
• Optimized hydrogel formulation (60:60:0.389 PAM:PEGDA:LAP) exhibited rapid gelling (2 min), high water content (85-88%), and low erosion.
• Incorporated CS-AgNPs provided significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
• The nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, promoting fibroblast proliferation and migration.

Conclusions:

• The optimized pectin-based nanocomposite hydrogel is a promising multifunctional platform for wound management.
• The hydrogel effectively combats bacterial infections and accelerates wound healing.
• Its balanced properties and potent biological activity suggest significant clinical potential.