Ag2[Fe(CN)5NO]-Fabricated Hydrophobic Cotton as a Potential Wound Healing Dressing: An In Vivo Approach

Chitosan fabricated silver nitroprusside nanocomposites prepared for enhanced antibacterial and cytocompatibility applications through controlled release of metal ions and nitric oxide

Silver nitroprusside complex nanoparticles (AgN NPs) have garnered significant attention for their antimicrobial properties. However, challenges such as toxicity and limited biocompatibility often hinder their practical applications. Therefore, this study introduces a combined approach to fabricating AgN NPs with chitosan (CS), resulting in CS-AgN nanocomposites (CS-AgN NCs) with cytocompatibility. AgN NPs exhibited a distinct cubic morphology with a mean size of 52.88 ± 15.45 nm, while CS-AgN NCs showed a smaller, spherical, and elongated structure. The incorporation of CS led to significant changes in AgN NPs, including a reduction in the zeta potential from -46.63 ± 1.25 mV to -13.0 ± 2.12 mV and alterations in crystallinity. A key finding was that nitric oxide (NO) release was highly pH-dependent, which could offer targeted therapeutic potential. Both nano systems demonstrated potent antibacterial effects, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 6.25 μg/mL against E. coli, alongside strong biofilm inhibition (≥80 % at 12.5-25 μg/mL). The CS-AgN NCs also exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to AgN NPs without compromising cell viability or causing hemolysis, and low toxicity to Artemia salina, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications. This work highlights the unique interplay between AgN NPs and CS, offering insights into their potential for next-generation antimicrobial therapies.

Synthesis of cytocompatible gum Arabic-encapsulated silver nitroprusside nanocomposites for inhibition of bacterial pathogens and food safety applications

Silver nitroprusside (AgN) exhibits significant antibacterial activity; however, its inherent toxicity poses a major concern. This study synthesized AgN with enhanced antibacterial properties while minimizing toxicity. Gum Arabic (GA), a natural polysaccharide widely utilized in food and biomedical applications owing to its exceptional cytocompatibility, was selected for encapsulating AgN to mitigate toxicity while preserving or enhancing its biological activity. The resulting composite material, GA-AgN nanocomposites (NCs), was systematically characterized using various analytical techniques. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that GA-AgN NCs exhibited a rectangular morphology, with an average size of 230.13 ± 62.8 nm. The zeta potential of GA-AgN NCs was measured at -29.3 ± 0.70 mV. Furthermore, GA-AgN NCs demonstrated stability over diverse storage durations, incubation periods, and pH conditions by maintaining its size and surface charge. X-ray diffraction results indicated a reduction in the crystallinity of AgN when incorporated into the amorphous GA matrix, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the functional properties of both AgN and GA were preserved in the NCs. The release of Ag and Fe ions from the NCs was observed to be time- and pH-dependent. Importantly, the incorporation of GA did not compromise the antibacterial or antibiofilm efficacy of AgN against bacterial pathogens. Additionally, GA significantly mitigated the cytotoxic effects of AgN on NIH3T3 cells and red blood cells. Furthermore, GA-AgN NCs effectively extended the shelf-life of Salmonella enterica-infected green grapes. Thus, this study illustrates that GA-fabricated AgN NCs exhibit potential as an antibacterial agent in food preservation applications.

Hybrid poly(lactide-co-glycolide) membranes incorporated with Doxycycline-loaded copper-based metal-organic nanosheets as antibacterial platforms

The rise of antimicrobial resistance necessitates innovative strategies to combat persistent infections. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention as antibiotic carriers due to their high drug loading capacity and structural adaptability. In particular, 2D MOF nanosheets are emerging as a notable alternative to their traditional 3D relatives due to their remarkable advantages in enhanced surface area, flexibility and exposed active region properties. Herein, we synthesized 2D copper 1,4-benzendicarboxylate (CuBDC) nanosheets and utilized them as a carrier and controlled release system for Doxycycline (Doxy@CuBDC), for the first time. The Doxy@CuBDC nanosheets were subsequently incorporated into Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun membranes (Doxy@CuBDC/PLGA). The resultant bioactive fibrous membranes exhibited double-barrier controlled release properties, extending the Doxy release up to ∼9 d at pH 7.4 and 5.5. Significant inhibitory effects againstStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coliwere observed. The morphological analyses revealed the deformed bacterial cell structures on Doxy@CuBDC/PLGA membranes that indicates potent bactericidal activity. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the non-toxic nature of the fabricated membranes, underscoring their potential use for biomedical applications. Overall, the hybrid antibacterial PLGA membranes present a promising strategy for combating microbial infections while maintaining biocompatibility and offer a versatile approach for biomedical material design and surface coatings (e.g. wound dressings, implants).

Multifunctional (4-in-1) Therapeutic Applications of Nickel Thiocyanate Nanoparticles Impregnated Cotton Gauze as Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, Antioxidant and Wound Healing Agent

The wounds, arises from accidents, burns, surgeries, diabetes, and trauma, can significantly impact well-being and present persistent clinical challenges. Ideal wound dressings should be flexible, stable, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature, facilitating a scarless rapid wound healing. Initiatives were taken to create antibacterial cotton fabrics by incorporating agents like antibiotics and metallic nanoparticles. However, due to a lack of multifunctionality, these materials were not highly effective in causing scarless and rapid wound healing. In this article, nickel thiocyanate nanoparticle (NiSCN-NPs) impregnated cotton gauze wound dressing (NiSCN-CG) was developed. These nanoparticles were non-toxic to normal human cell lines till 1 mg/mL dose and did not cause skin irritation in the rat model. Further, NiSCN-NPs exhibited antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activities confirmed using different in vitro experiments. In vivo wound healing studies in rat models using NiSCN-CG demonstrated rapid scarless wound healing. The nickel thiocyanate impregnated cotton gauze presents a novel approach in scarless wound healing, and as an antimicrobial agent, offering a promising solution for diverse wounds and infections in the future.

Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nitroprusside Nanoparticles for Melanoma

Melanoma has gained considerable attention due to its high mortality and morbidity rate worldwide. The currently available treatment options are associated with several limitations such as nonspecificity, drug resistance, easy clearance, low efficacy, toxicity-related issues, etc. To this end, nanotechnology has garnered significant attention for the treatment of melanoma. In the present manuscript, we have demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (abbreviated as AgNNPs) against melanoma. The AgNNPs exhibit cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells, which has been investigated by several in vitro experiments including [methyl 3H]-thymidine incorporation assay, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry, and ROS generation through DCFDA, DHE, and DAF2A reagents. Further, the internalization of nanoparticles was determined by ICPOES analysis, while their colocalization was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Additionally, JC-1 staining is performed to examine mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Cytoskeleton integrity was observed by phalloidin staining. Expression of different markers (Ki-67, cytochrome c, and E-cadherin) was checked using an immunofluorescence assay. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy of AgNNPs has been validated in the melanoma model established by inoculating B16F10 cells into the dorsal right abdomen of C57BL/6J mice. The intraperitoneal administration of AgNNPs reduced melanoma growth and increased the survivability of tumor-bearing mice. The in vivo immunofluorescence studies (Ki-67, CD31, and E-cadherin) and TUNEL assay support the inhibitory and apoptotic nature of AgNNPs toward melanoma, respectively. Furthermore, the various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in anticancer activity are evaluated by Western blot analysis. These findings altogether demonstrate the promising anticancer potential of AgNNPs toward melanoma.

Antibiotic Nanoparticles-Loaded Wound Dressings Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa's Skin Infection: A Systematic Review

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a common nosocomial pathogen that can cause severe infections in critically ill patients. Due to its resistance to multiple drugs, it is challenging to treat, which can result in serious illness and death. Conventional treatments for infected wounds often involve the topical or systemic application of antibiotics, which can lead to systemic toxicity and the development of drug resistance. The combination of wound dressings that promote wound healing with nanoparticles (NPs) represents a revolutionary strategy for optimizing the safety and efficacy of antibiotics. This review assesses a systematic search to identify the latest approaches where the evaluation of wound dressings loaded with antibiotic NPs is conducted. The properties of NPs, the features of wound dressings, the antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of the different strategies are analyzed. The results indicate that most research in this field is focused on dressings loaded with silver NPs (57.1%) or other inorganic materials (22.4%). Wound dressings loaded with polymeric NPs and carbon-based NPs represent 14.3% and 6.1% of the evaluated studies, respectively. Nevertheless, there are no clinical trials that have evaluated the efficacy of NPs-loaded wound dressings in patients. Further research is required to ensure the safety of these treatments and to translate the findings from the bench to the bedside.

Fast fabrication of "all-in-one" injectable hydrogels as antibiotic alternatives for enhanced bacterial inhibition and accelerating wound healing

Skin wound infection has become a notable medical threat. Herein, the polysaccharide-based injectable hydrogels with multifunctionality were developed by a simple and fast gelation process not only to inactivate bacteria but also to accelerate bacteria-infected wound healing. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) loaded PCN-224 nanoparticles were introduced into the polymer matrix formed by the dynamic and reversible coordinate bonds between Ag+ with carboxyl and amino or hydroxyl groups on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions in the polymer to fabricate SNP@PCN@Gel hydrogels. SNP@PCN@Gel displayed interconnected porous structure, excellent self-healing capacity, low cytotoxicity, good blood compatibility, and robust antibacterial activity. SNP@PCN@Gel could produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO along with Fe2+, and showed long-term sustained release of Ag+, thereby effectively killing bacteria by synergistic photothermal (hyperthermia), photodynamic (ROS), chemodynamic (Fenton reaction), gas (NO) and ion (Ag+ and -NH3+ in CMCS) therapy. Remarkably, the hydrogels significantly promoted granulation tissue formation, reepithelization, collagen deposition and angiogenesis as well as wound contraction in bacteria-infected wound healing. Taken together, the strategy represented a general method to engineer the unprecedented photoactivatable "all-in-one" hydrogels with enhanced antibacterial activity and paved a new way for development of antibiotic alternatives and wound dressing.

Fucoidan-coated cotton dressing functionalized with biomolecules capped silver nanoparticles (LB-Ag NPs-FN-OCG) for rapid healing therapy of infected wounds

The colonization of pathogenic microbes poses a significant clinical barrier that hinders the physiological wound-healing process. Addressing this challenge, we developed a novel wound dressing using a modified cotton gauze dressing coated with fucoidan and functionalized with silver nanoparticles (LB-Ag NPs-FN-OCG) for the rapid treatment of infected wounds. Firstly, phytochemical-capped LB-Ag NPs were synthesized and characterized using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis. Secondly, different concentrations of LB-Ag NPs (0.1%-1%) were functionalized into FN-OCG to identify appropriate concentrations that were non-toxic with superior antibacterial activities. Screening assays, including antibacterial, hemolysis, chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, and cytotoxicity assay, revealed that LB-Ag NPs (0.5%)-FN-OCG were non-toxic and demonstrated greater efficiency in inhibiting bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) and promoting fibroblast cell (NIH3T3) migration. In vivo assays revealed that LB-Ag NPs (0.5%)-FN-OCG treatment exhibited excellent wound healing activity (99.73 ± 0.01%) compared to other treatments by inhibiting bacterial colonization, maintaining the blood parameters, developing granulation tissue, new blood vessels, and collagen deposition. Overall, this study highlights that LB-Ag NPs (0.5%)-FN-OCG serve as a antibacterial wound dressing for infected wound healing applications.

Nitroprusside and metal nitroprusside nano analogues for cancer therapy

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), U.S approved drug has been used in clinical emergency as a hypertensive drug for more than a decade. It is well established for its various biomedical applications such as angiogenesis, wound healing, neurological disorders including anti-microbial applications etc. Apart from that, SNP have been considered as excellent biomedical materials for its use as anti-cancer agent because of its behavior as NO-donor. Recent reports suggest that incorporation of metals in SNP/encapsulation of SNP in metal nanoparticles (metal nitroprusside analogues) shows better therapeutic anti-cancer activity. Although there are numerous reports available regarding the biological applications of SNP and metal-based SNP analogue nanoparticles, unfortunately there is not a single comprehensive review which highlights the anti-cancer activity of SNP and its derivative metal analogues in detail along with the future perspective. To this end, the present review article focuses the recent development of anti-cancer activity of SNP and metal-based SNP analogues, their plausible mechanism of action, current status. Furthermore, the future perspectives and challenges of these biomedical materials are also discussed. Overall, this review article represents a new perspective in the area of cancer nanomedicine that will attract a wider spectrum of scientific community.

Development and Analysis of Silver Nitroprusside Nanoparticle-Incorporated Sodium Alginate Films for Banana Browning Prevention

Banana (Musa acuminate) has been popular among consumers worldwide due to its rich nutrients and minerals. However, bananas are highly susceptible to the physical and biological factors that lead to postharvest loss during transportation and storage. In this work, novel sodium alginate (SA) films incorporated with silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (AgNNPs) were prepared to extend the shelf life of bananas through antibacterial and antioxidant coating. The results exhibited that AgNNPs were cubical and that their size was <500 nm, with metal composition being Ag and Fe. Additionally, the incorporation of AgNNPs in the SA film was seen in FE-SEM and zeta analysis, with an average size of about 365.6 nm. Furthermore, the functional and crystalline properties of AgNNPs were assessed through FTIR and XRD. Transmittance testing of the SA-AgNNPs films confirmed they have good UV barrier properties. SA-AgNNPs films exhibited excellent high antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens including L. monocytogenes, S. enterica, and E. coli at the concentration of 500 µg/mL. Moreover, during the storage of bananas, SA-AgNNPs nanocomposite coatings act as a barrier to microbial contamination and slow down the ripening of bananas. As a result, compared with SA-coated and uncoated bananas, SA-AgNNPs-coated bananas exhibited the lowest weight loss and lowest total bacterial colonies, thus greatly extending their shelf life. Particularly when coated with SA-AgNNPs films, total bacterial colonies (TBC) in the banana peel and pulp were as low as 1.13 × 103 and 51 CUF/g on the ninth day of storage, respectively. Our work offers an efficient strategy to improve the quality of bananas during the postharvest period, with extensive applications in fruit preservation and food packing.

Synthesis of Starch-Based Ag2[Fe (CN)5NO] Nanoparticles for Utilization in Antibacterial and Wound-Dressing Applications

Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of chronic wounds and delay the wound-healing process. Therefore, it is important to explore safe and efficient antimicrobial agents that have wound-healing and biocompatible properties. In this study, novel starch-fabricated silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (S-AgNP NPs) were prepared for biocompatible wound-healing applications. The study showed that S-AgNP NPs are spherical, with an average size of 356 ± 22.28 d. nm and zeta potential of -27.8 ± 2.80 mV, respectively. Furthermore, the FTIR and XRD results showed that S-AgNP NPs have functional groups and crystal structures from the silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (AgNP NPs) and starch. Additionally, S-AgNP NPs showed excellent bacterial and biofilm inhibition on B. cereus (15.6 μg/mL), L. monocytogenes (15.6 μg/mL), S. aureus (31.3 μg/mL), E. coli (31.3 μg/mL) and S. enterica (62.5 μg/mL). Moreover, S-AgNP NPs promoted cell migration and proliferation at a concentration of 62.5 μg/mL compared to AgNP NPs. Meanwhile, S-AgNP NPs had good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity compared to AgNP NPs. Therefore, this study provided new ideas for the development of wound-healing agents with bacteriostatic properties in chronic wounds.

Silver, Its Salts and Application in Medicine and Pharmacy

The healing properties of silver have been used since ancient times. The main aim of the study was to collect and review the literature on the clinical potential of silver, its salts and complex compounds. The second goal was to present an outline of the historical use of silver in medicine and pharmacy, taking into account the possibility of producing pharmaceutical drug forms on the premises of pharmacies. In the context of the growing resistance of microorganisms to available, widely used antibiotics, silver plays a key role. There is only one known case of bacterial resistance to silver-the Pseudomonas stutzeri strain, which naturally occurs in silver mines. The development of research in the field of coordination chemistry offers great opportunities in the design of new substances in which silver ions can be incorporated. These substances exhibit increased potency and often an extended antimicrobial spectrum. Silver-based compounds are, however, only limited to external applications, as opposed to their historic oral administration. Advanced studies of their physicochemical, microbiological, cytotoxic and genotoxic properties are ongoing and full of challenges. The improvement of the methods of synthesis gives the possibility of applying the newly synthesized compounds ex tempore, as was the case with the complex of metronidazole with silver (I) nitrate. Some of these experimental efforts performed in vitro are followed with clinical trials. The third and final goal of this study was to present the possibility of obtaining an ointment under the conditions of an actual pharmacy using silver (I) salts and a ligand, both of which are active substances with antimicrobial properties.

Highly active nanoparticle enhanced rapid adsorption-killing mechanism to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria

Contact-killing surfaces with the ability to rapidly adsorb and kill microorganisms are desperately needed since the rapid outbreak of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, a series of amphiphilic nanoengineered polyquaterniums (ANPQs) were synthesized, and immobilizing ANPQs onto equipment surfaces provided a simple method for preventing microbial infections. The strong charge-positive property of ANPQ offered the possibility of rapid adsorption and efficient killing, such that all bacteria are adsorbed after 10 seconds of contact with ANPQ-treated fabrics, and more than 99.99% of pathogens are killed within 30 seconds. Surprisingly, the adsorption-killing mechanism made it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to ANPQ coating, even after long-term repeated treatment. Importantly, in a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection model, ANPQ-treated fabrics exhibited a potent anti-infectious performance while remaining nontoxic. It is envisaged that the strategy of using ANPQ coating undoubtedly provides a promising candidate for fighting MDR strains.

Eco-friendly cellulose-based hydrogel functionalized by NIR-responsive multimodal antibacterial polymeric ionic liquid as platform for promoting wound healing

With the trend of sustainable development and the complex medical environment, there is a strong demand for multimodal antibacterial cellulose wound dressing (MACD) with photothermal therapy (PTT). Herein, a novel MACD fabrication strategy with PTT was proposed and implemented through graft polymerization of an imidazolium ionic liquid monomer containing iron complex anion structure. The fabricated hydrogels exhibited excellent antibacterial properties because of the efficient photothermal conversion ability (68.67 %) of ionic liquids and the intrinsic structural characteristic of quaternary ammonium salts. The antibacterial ratio of cellulosic hydrogel dressings to S. aureus and E. coli could reach 99.57 % and 99.16 %, respectively. Additionally, the fabricated hydrogels demonstrated extremely low hemolysis rates (<5 %) and excellent cell viability (~>85 %). Furthermore, in vivo antibacterial experimental results proved that the fabricated antibacterial dressings could significantly accelerate wound healing. Therefore, the proposed strategy would provide a new method of designing and preparing high-performance cellulose wound dressings.

The applications of 3D printing in wound healing: the external delivery of stem cells and antibiosis

As the global number of chronic wound patients rises, the financial burden and social pressure on patients increase daily. Stem cells have emerged as promising tissue engineering seed cells due to their enriched sources, multidirectional differentiation ability, and high proliferation rate. However, delivering them in vitro for the treatment of skin injury is still challenging. In addition, bacteria from the wound site and the environment can significantly impact wound healing. In the last decade, 3D bioprinting has dramatically enriched cell delivery systems. The produced scaffolds by this technique can be precisely localized within cells and perform antibacterial actions. In this review, we summarized the 3D bioprinting-based external delivery of stem cells and their antibiosis to improve wound healing.

Superhydrophobic and Conductive Foams with Antifouling and Oil-Water Separation Properties

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials are attracting enormous interest in materials science due to the combination of multiple advantageous properties of both organic and inorganic components. Taking advantage of a simple, scalable, solvent-free hard-sacrificial method, we report the successful fabrication of three-dimensional hybrid porous foams by integrating two types of fillers into a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) framework. These fillers consist of hydrophobic electrically conductive graphene (GR) nanoplatelets and hydrophobic bactericidal copper (Cu) microparticles. The fillers were utilized to create the hierarchical rough structure with low-surface-energy properties on the PDMS foam surfaces, leading to remarkable superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity with contact angles of 158 and 0° for water and oil, respectively. The three-dimensional interconnected porous foam structures facilitated high oil adsorption capacity and excellent reusability as well as highly efficient oil/organic solvent-water separation in turbulent, corrosive, and saline environments. Moreover, the introduction of the fillers led to a significant improvement in the electrical conductivity and biofouling resistance (vs whole blood, fibrinogen, platelet cells, and Escherichia coli) of the foams. We envision that the developed composite strategy will pave a facile, scalable, and effective way for fabricating novel multifunctional hybrid materials with ideal properties that may find potential use in a broad range of biomedical, energy, and environmental applications.

Nitroprusside─Expanding the Potential Use of an Old Drug Using Nanoparticles

For more than 70 years, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been used to treat severe hypertension in hospital emergency settings. During this time, a few other clinical uses have also emerged such as in the treatment of acute heart failure as well as improving mitral incompetence and in the intra- and perioperative management during heart surgery. This drug functions by releasing nitric oxide (NO), which modulates several biological processes with many potential therapeutic applications. However, this small molecule has a short lifetime, and it has been administered through the use of NO donor molecules such as SNP. On the other hand, SNP also has some setbacks such as the release of cyanide ions, high water solubility, and very fast NO release kinetics. Currently, there are many drug delivery strategies that can be applied to overcome many of these limitations, providing novel opportunities for the use of old drugs, including SNP. This Perspective describes some nitroprusside properties and highlights new potential therapeutic uses arising from the use of drug delivery systems, mainly silica-based nanoparticles. There is a series of great opportunities to further explore SNP in many medical issues as reviewed, which deserves a closer look by the scientific community.

Investigation of wound healing efficiency of multifunctional eudragit/soy protein isolate electrospun nanofiber incorporated with ZnO loaded halloysite nanotubes and allantoin

One significant aspect of the current therapeutic agents employed in wound healing involves the engineering of nano polymeric scaffolds to mimic the properties of extracellular matrix (ECM). The present work aimed to prepare and evaluate Eudragit® L100 (EU) nanofibers in combination with soy protein isolate (SPI). Allantoin (Ala) with a 2 wt% was encapsulated as a model drug renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Moreover, the synthesized ZnO-halloysite nanotubes (ZHNTs) with different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% were incorporated into the EU/SPI/Ala nanofiber as a reinforcing filler and a remarkable antibacterial agent. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that by increasing the weight percentage of SPI from 1 % to 2.5 %, the average diameter of nanofibers decreased from 132.3 ± 51.3 nm to 126.7 ± 47.2 nm. It was 223.5 ± 95.6 nm for nanofibers containing 5 wt% ZHNTs (the optimal sample). The evaluation of in vitro release kinetics of Ala for 24 h, showed a burst release during the first 2 h and a sustained release during the subsequent times. Moreover, the structure, crystallinity, and thermal stability of synthesized nanofibers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. In vitro degradation and mechanical characteristics of these nanofibers were studied. Furthermore, the capability of the nanofibers for cell proliferation was revealed through the MTT test and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images of cell attachment. The antimicrobial activity of EU/SPI/Ala/ZHNTs showed that this sample with high ZHNTs content (5 w%t) had the most remarkable antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The results revealed that EU/SPI/Ala/ZHNTs mats could be promising potential wound dressings.

Cuprous Oxide Nanoparticles Decorated Fabric Materials with Anti-biofilm Properties

Considering the global spread of bacterial infections, the development of anti-biofilm surfaces with high antimicrobial activities is highly desired. This work unraveled a simple, sonochemical method for coating Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) on three different flexible substrates: polyester (PE), nylon 2 (N2), and polyethylene (PEL). The introduction of Cu2O NPs on these substrates enhanced their surface hydrophobicity, induced ROS generation, and completely inhibited the growth of sensitive (Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus) and drug-resistant (MDR E. coli and MRSA) planktonic and biofilm. The experimental results confirmed that Cu2O-PE exhibited complete biofilm mass reduction ability for all four strains, whereas Cu2O-N2 showed more than 99% biomass inhibition against both drug-resistant and sensitive pathogens in 6 h. Moreover, Cu2O-PEL also indicated a 99.95, 97.73, 98.00, and 99.20% biomass reduction of MRSA, MDR E. coli, E. coli, and S. aureus, respectively. All substrates were investigated for time-dependent inhibitions, and the associated biofilm mass and log reduction were evaluated. The mechanisms of Cu2O NP action against the mature biofilms include the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as electrostatic interaction between Cu2O NPs and bacterial membranes. The current study could pave the way for the commercialization of sonochemically coated Cu2O NP flexible substrates for the prevention of microbial contamination in hospitals and industrial environments.

Photo-crosslinked Antimicrobial Hydrogel Exhibiting Wound Healing Ability and Curing Infections In-vivo

With the increasing focus on healthcare research in the current times, therapeutic and biomaterial interventions for healing of wounds and mitigation of wound-associated infections have seen expedited progress. Conventional approaches consist of release-active gels, which demonstrate leaching of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, metal ions, etc. However, these systems suffer from the disadvantages of burst release, reservoir exhaustion, and associated toxicity. In this report, we have developed the intrinsically antimicrobial hydrogel (HyDex) by one-pot UV crosslinking of methacrylated dextran (Dex-MA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEG-DA), and cationic lipophilic methacrylate (LipMA) with varied hydrophobic chain which displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, hemostatic ability, and rapid wound closure efficacy. Optimized hydrogel exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against multi-drug resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as against pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. HyDex hydrogel showed rapid arrest of bleeding in mice liver puncture model. The hydrogel killed carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a murine model of burn wound infection with >99% reduction in bacterial burden. Furthermore, this hydrogel displayed significant reduction in inflammatory responses, with accelerated wound healing in rat deep wound model. Collectively, these results implied the excellent promise held by lead hydrogel to be developed for tackling deep tissue wounds, notorious infections, and resulting inflammatory responses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Antibacterial biomaterials for skin wound dressing

Bacterial infection and the ever-increasing bacterial resistance have imposed severe threat to human health. And bacterial contamination could significantly menace the wound healing process. Considering the sophisticated wound healing process, novel strategies for skin tissue engineering are focused on the integration of bioactive ingredients, antibacterial agents included, into biomaterials with different morphologies to improve cell behaviors and promote wound healing. However, a comprehensive review on anti-bacterial wound dressing to enhance wound healing has not been reported. In this review, various antibacterial biomaterials as wound dressings will be discussed. Different kinds of antibacterial agents, including antibiotics, nanoparticles (metal and metallic oxides, light-induced antibacterial agents), cationic organic agents, and others, and their recent advances are summarized. Biomaterial selection and fabrication of biomaterials with different structures and forms, including films, hydrogel, electrospun nanofibers, sponge, foam and three-dimension (3D) printed scaffold for skin regeneration, are elaborated discussed. Current challenges and the future perspectives are presented in this multidisciplinary field. We envision that this review will provide a general insight to the elegant design and further refinement of wound dressing.