Abstract:
The use of natural polymers in the creation of skin wound dressings has gained attention
for its potential to speed up healing and protect against pathogens. In this study, the
ability of the Papaver somniferum plant to heal wounds in various forms, such as pure
plant extract, plant-derived silver nanoparticles, and their inclusion in a polyvinyl alcohol
hydrogel, was investigated. Characterization of the compounds was done using UV
spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning
electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Antimicrobial tests showed
that silver nanoparticles had a zone of inhibition of 12mm against Staphylococcus aureus,
while the silver nanoparticle hydrogel had a zone of inhibition of 23mm against Klebsilla
pneumonia. The zone of inhibition by the plant extract was 11mm against
Staphylococcus aureus, while the plant extract gel had a zone of inhibition of 16mm
against Staphylococcus aureus. The results suggest that the bio-composite patches created
from these materials have potential to work against both gram-positive and gramnegative
bacteria. In a mouse model, the wound healing capacity was highest for the
silver nanoparticle gel, with a wound closure of 1.7mm. Histological analysis also
showed that the silver nanoparticle hydrogel had excellent wound repair properties.
Overall, the study suggests that pure AgNPs and bio-composite hydrogel of AgNPs have
efficient and quick healing of wounds as compared to the plant extract and plant nano
composites hydrogel.
