Biodegradable chitosan/PVA-based hydrogel incorporating green synthesized silver nanoparticles for wound healing applications

Chronic wounds pose significant healthcare challenges globally. The need for more effective strategies for wound healing applications has led to the exploration of numerous emerging technologies. The current study investigates the wound-healing potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aloe Vera and green tea loaded on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan hydrogel. To this end, different hydrogel films incorporating various types of AgNPs were prepared. XRD, SEM, and EDX confirmed good integration of the crystallographic structure of the green synthesized nanomaterial and indicated smooth surface morphology of the films. The results of the biodegradability test showed that the Aloe Vera synthesized AgNPs hydrogel patch exhibited a high degradation rate with (22%) weight loss after 30 days. The results of in vitro antimicrobial testing and cytotoxicity assays revealed that Aloe Vera-synthesized AgNPs possess higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with high cell viability (82%). The in vitro release of AgNPs showed a gradual release of AgNPs with stabilization. The water vapor transmission rate was found to range between 1388.89 g/m2/day and a moisture content of 7.73%. The tensile stress and elongation at break were found to range between 69.14-67-13 MPa and 4.84%-4.34%, respectively, indicating significant mechanical properties of the films. Overall, the results proved that green synthesized AgNPs hydrogel patches, especially using Aloe Vera, provide the optimal properties for wound healing, combining good moisture utilization, stability, and holding potential as a biodegradable, antibacterial wound dressing.