Wound healing properties and antibiofilm activity of hydrogel matrix containing nitric oxide, silver nanoparticles, and ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn wound infection
Zahra Chegini, Mehdi Azizi, Maliheh Safaiee, Fereshte Kalhori, Raha Zare Shahraki, Jaber Hemmati, Seyed Mostafa Hosseini, Ali Teimoori, Aref Shariati, Mohammad Reza Arabestani
Abstract
The high antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has led to significant issues and delays in wound healing, resulting in disruptions to the healing process. The present study evaluated the antibacterial effects and wound healing properties of a hydrogel matrix containing nitric oxide, silver nanoparticles, and ciprofloxacin (Hy-NO-Ag-Cip) against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa. The MDR P. aeruginosa was isolated from patients with burn wound infection. Hy-NO-Ag-Cip was synthesized, and its physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. The in vitro antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of Hy-NO-Ag-Cip were analyzed. Burn wound infections were induced in 25 rats, and topical application was conducted to assess the antibacterial efficacy and wound healing characteristics of Hy-NO-Ag-Cip. The results showed that the fabricated hydrogels have a porous structure, with interconnected pores. The spectra of the formulated hydrogel loaded with AgNPs and the drug showed bands with similar frequencies and shapes to those of the final hydrogel. The Hy-NO-Ag-Cip minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 250 µg/mL, and the 2× MIC of this hydrogel reduced mature biofilm by 65%. There was no toxic effect observed at the MIC concentration of Hy-NO-Ag-Cip on the L929 cell line. In the wound healing process, the group treated with Hy-NO-Ag-Cip exhibited a greater epithelial thickness, indicating enhanced wound healing compared to the other group. Hy-NO-Ag-Cip enhances antibiotic accumulation at the infection site through a controlled drug release, resulting in a substantial antibacterial action and improved wound healing.