Nanocomposite based Smart Hydrogel for Wound Dressing

Abstract

There has been a surge in interest recently in the creation of innovative materials and therapeutic strategies to enhance the results of wound healing for chronic wounds as it is a painful condition that entails complex healing phenomena and would take years to recover. Hence, the use of nanoparticles to promote wound healing through cell proliferation and antimicrobial activity has proved to be an efficient way to increase the healing process. For this, a multipurpose smart dressing material with a variety of qualities that can encourage the best possible wound healing is required. This work used a PVA/HA biodegradable matrix for wound healing that used glycerin as a plasticizer and reinforced with AgNPs and MOF-199, to develop a smart nanocomposite hydrogel membrane. Different characterization techniques XRD, FTIR, SEM and mechanical testing were carried out to examine the membrane's shape and structural characteristics. Additionally, to assess the membrane's efficacy as a wound healing material, biomedical tests were carried out like moisture retention, gel fraction, swelling and antimicrobial. The membrane formed was hydrophilic, with excellent swelling properties and reasonable gel fraction and moisture retention values. It also showed remarkable mechanical strength and flexibility. These findings imply that the membrane created has promise for use as an efficient material for treating wounds and can prove be a good dressing for medium to high exudate absorption due to MOF-199 high surface area and porosity.