In situ reduction of silver nanoparticles by sodium alginate to obtain silver-loaded composite wound dressing with enhanced mechanical and antimicrobial property

Wound dressings provide barrier protection during wound treatment while providing an environment suitable for wound healing. However, traditional wound dressings have disadvantages, such as easily adhering to wounds, poor barrier effects, and poor haemostasis. Therefore, it is of great significance to design a new wound dressing that does not cause further injury, has good antibacterial effect and promotes wound healing in view of the disadvantages of traditional wound dressings. In this paper, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were reduced by in situ reduction with sodium alginate (SA), and construct a silver-loaded PVA/SA/CMCS hydrogel antibacterial wound dressing. The properties of antibacterial hydrogel were evaluated. The results show that SA can successfully reduce AgNPs, and the particle size is small and uniform, which meets the requirements of antibacterial material. The AgNPs are evenly distributed inside the hydrogel and have stable performance. The silver-loaded hydrogel was formed uniform pores inside the material, and had excellent water absorption and water retention, which can absorb a large amount of wound exudate while maintaining a moist wound environment. The antibacterial hydrogel exhibited good mechanical properties, antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. In summary, the silver-loaded hydrogel is an ideal wound dressing.