Green-synthesized silver nanoparticle-infused PVA hydrogels: A sustainable solution for skin repair
Adeeb Shehzad, Faiza Tariq, Abdullah Khamis Al Saidi, Khushbakht Ali Khan, Shahid Ali Khan, Fanar Hamad Alshammari, Mazhar Ul‐Islam
Abstract
In this study, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous methanolic pod extract of Papaver somniferum ( P. somniferum ), and their incorporation into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels for enhanced antibacterial activity and wound healing applications. The green synthesis method employed provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective approach for nanoparticle production. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, confirmed the successful synthesis and integration of AgNPs within the hydrogel matrix, revealing an average nanoparticle size of approximately 10 nm. The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ), Klebsiella pneumoniae ( Kb.pn ), and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ( CRAB ) bacterial strains, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects. In vitro and in vivo studies additionally highlighted the wound healing capabilities of the PSE-AgNPs-PVA hydrogel, with improved wound closure rates observed in treated groups compared to controls. Histological analyses displayed increased tissue regeneration, indicating the biocompatibility and efficacy of this innovative hydrogel system. Compared to previously reported AgNP-based hydrogels, our study demonstrates superior antibacterial activity, especially against drug-resistant strains, and faster wound healing, as confirmed by histological evidence. Our findings intimate that PSE-AgNPs-PVA hydrogels hold significant potential for advanced wound care applications due to their antibacterial properties and capabilities to boost healing.