Ag Doped ZNO Nanoparticles Loaded Chitosan Guargum Film: A Potential Antibacterial Wound Dressing

Abstract

Introduction: Modern wound care necessitates versatile dressings that effectively prevent infections, and accelerate the healing process, ultimately resulting in reduced healthcare costs. In this study polymeric films were prepared from the blend of shrimp cell chitosan and guar-gum which were then infused with varying concentrations of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles for use as a bandage to prevent biofilm formation in wounds and, consequently, speed up the healing process. Methodology: The films were fabricated using the solution casting process and then analyzed using a range of established biophysical methods, like X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, absorbance spectroscopy and electron microscopic imaging etc. The mechanical strength of the films was evaluated using universal testing machine. The antiadhesion property of the nanocomposite films preventing biofilm formation was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Result and conclusion: The developed films loaded with different concentration of nanoparticles exhibited swelling capacity in the ranging from 189-465% in 24h at physiological pH and a controlled degradation rate ranging from 40-70% in 21 days, in lysozyme containing medium, at physiological pH. Enhancement in mechanical properties of the films was observed with increase in concentration of the nanoparticles, with high tensile strength upto 65 MPa. The developed nanocomposite films demonstrated strong antibacterial effect against a range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria like S.aureus, B.subtilis, P.aeruginosa and E.coli. The films loaded with 3 wt% of nanoparticles (CGT/AgZnO3) exhibited strong growth inhibition of 90% and 94% against gram-negative and gram-positive strains, respectively. Additionally, these films also displayed potent antibiofilm properties, with CGT/AgZnO3 inhibiting more than 80% of bacterial biofilm formation after 72 hours. The overall work paves a way toward developing multifunctional polymeric-nanoplatform that could possess properties for inhibiting bacterial infection and biofilm formation in the wounds and result in quicker healing.