Synthesis of novel nano composite based on silicone/HEMA/AAm/ZnO as an efficient wound dressing: physicochemical and...

Modern wound dressings are used for burn injuries to prevent complications such as infection and to promote tissue regeneration. In this study, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), acrylamide (AAm), and silicone were simultaneously copolymerized in a dioxane solution via an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) method to produce nanoparticles (NPs). In the next step, to fabricate nanocomposite (NC) films for wound dressing applications, the IPN NPs were blended with silicone and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs as an antibacterial agent. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the synthesized IPN NPs had an average size of approximately 17 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the samples confirmed the presence of the characteristic functional groups of the NC films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the NC films had a homogeneous structure with well-dispersed NPs. Despite the high silicone content, the films exhibited an acceptable swelling ratio (up to 165%). Biological studies using L929 mouse fibroblast cells showed that the samples were biocompatible. In vivo wound-healing studies in a rat wound model specified improved healing compared with the control group, with complete re-epithelialization within 14 days. Histological analysis indicated neovascularization and tissue regeneration. Overall, the synthesized NC films show potential as wound dressings.