Production of Copper Nanoparticle-Embedded Chitosan Hydrogel for Potential Application in Wound Management

Nanoparticle-embedded hydrogels present a novel therapeutic approach in wound management. These hydrogels are multifunctional, have efficacy and their production is practicable. Hence, this work focused on the formulation and characterization of copper nanoparticles-embedded chitosan hydrogel for potential application in wound management. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable biopolymer, was used to produce chitosan hydrogel (CH-HG), and separately synthesised copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were incorporated into the chitosan hydrogel to formulate chitosan hydrogel/copper nanoparticles (CH-HG/CuNPs) conjugate. The structural integration of copper nanoparticles within the hydrogel matrix was evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction analysis. Wound healing activity of the formulated CH-HG/CuNPs was evaluated in vivo through the wound excision model using Wister albino rats. Additionally, antimicrobial efficacy of the CH-HG/CuNPs was tested against common wound pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The results from these studies revealed that after 14 days of treatment, the percentage wound closer of 100%, 85%, 71.67%, 98.33%, and 63.33% were achieved by CH-HG/CuNPs, CH-HG, CuNPS, Standard drug, and Negative control, respectively. All the tested wound-associated pathogens were inhibited by CH-HG/CuNPs nano-system, showing inhibition zone of 23 mm, 24 mm, and 21 mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. This study highlights the potential wound healing and antimicrobial attributes of a newly developed biopolymer hydrogel embedded with Cu nanoparticles. Hence, a broad prospect for the fabrication and use of CH-HG/CuNPs nano-system in wound management has been provided herein.