Development and characterization of ZnO-, CuO-, and CuO–ZnO-incorporated porous sodium alginate–polyvinyl alcohol–gelatin hybrid bio-nanocomposite scaffolds for wound healing applications
摘要
One of the most intricate processes our bodies undergo is wound healing, which often requires external stimulation when the body fails to heal naturally. To overcome this global issue, it is important to regulate the development of wounds, improve their quality, and hasten wound healing process. The employing of biological compounds with antimicrobial properties in wound dressings is an efficient way to direct the healing process towards better recovery. In this study, a biocompatible polymer scaffold with sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, and gelatin was fabricated and to enhance its antimicrobial property, the synthesized copper and zinc oxide (CuO–ZnO) nanoparticles were incorporated to the scaffold composition. The chemical structural and physical properties of the scaffolds were analysed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet‒visible spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to examine the morphological features of the scaffolds. The porosity and swelling behaviour were assessed to ascertain the scaffolds ability to absorb wound exudates and maintain a moist wound environment. By the addition of CuO–ZnO nanoparticles, the scaffold's porosity increased from 80 to 87% and notably, the scaffold's swelling percentage was seen to be approximately 95%. Then, the scaffold exhibits superior bactericidal properties that fight against bacterial infections, which promote wound healing. Hence, the current study suggested that the developed scaffolds have great potential for use in advanced wound healing applications. For real-time clinical translations, the obtained results stimulated to conduct in vitro and in vivo study for the fabricated scaffold.