Engineering Alginate Membranes With Green Propolis-Coated Silver Nanoparticles for Potential Use in Wound Dressing

This study proposes a novel polymeric membrane composed of sodium alginate incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and green propolis extract (GPE), for potential wound dressing. Five formulations were developed: a control (MB, alginate/glycerol), one with GPE at 0.5 mg/mL (MBE), and three with increasing silver nitrate (AgNO₃) concentrations of 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mM (MBE1, MBE3, and MBE5). AgNP formation was confirmed by a visible color shift from white to dark brown. Characterization via FT-IR, DSC, and TGA/DTG confirmed successful incorporation of GPE and AgNPs into the polymeric matrix, revealing molecular interactions and distinct thermal stability profiles across all membranes. Membrane thickness increased progressively (0.118-0.174 mm) with AgNP concentration. Water vapor permeability (WVP) improved upon adding GPE and AgNPs, peaking at 1.47 × 10^{- 3} g.mm/kPa·s·m² for MBE3. Mechanically, AgNP-containing membranes exhibited greater flexibility, with strain values near 90% and Young's Modulus between 0.29-0.32 MPa. Wettability analysis showed increased hydrophilic character of AgNP membranes, with contact angles as low as 34.3°. Biocompatibility testing using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay confirmed non-irritating profile. Molecular docking of GPE's major compounds-drupanin, artepilin C, and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid-further supports the therapeutic potential of these dressings for wound care applications.