Publication: Development of antimicrobial hydrogel constructs using natural for wound dressing applications
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Date
2025-09-01
Authors
Gao, Quan
Journal Title
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Abstract
In the context of combating microbial contamination, silver nanoparticles
(AgNPs) possess inherent antimicrobial advantages. Therefore, the incorporation of
green-synthesized AgNPs into polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA)
hydrogels is expected to give the hydrogels with favourable antimicrobial properties.
Guided by this research rationale, the present study has developed an antimicrobial
hydrogel specifically tailored for wound dressing applications. AgNPs were
biosynthesized using Centella asiatica extract. Twelve formulations of AgNPs were
fabricated using Centella asiatica extract (10-90 mg/100 mL) and silver nitrate (1-10
mM). Under regulated conditions, 50 mg/100 mL extract and 1 mM silver nitrate
yielded the best AgNPs, with an average size of 51.32 nm. Antibacterial testing
showed effective inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus, with activity increasing with
AgNPs suspension concentration and plateauing at concentrations above 0.1% AgNPs.
Polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVA/SA) hydrogels were made using freeze-thaw
and ionic cross-linking, and optimisation of polymer concentration (15%) and ratios
(10:0-10:4) revealed that the 10:2 PVA/SA formulation had the best mechanical
properties and porous structure for wound dressing. Tests showed the 10:2 PVA/SA
hydrogel with 0.1% AgNPs balanced antibacterial efficacy and mechanical
performance, promising for wound dressings. Overall, the study successfully
developed a green-synthesized AgNP-loaded hydrogel with properties suitable for
wound dressing, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and effective antimicrobial
material.