Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle incorporated gelatin‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate hydrogels for wound dressing applications

Abstract

A replaceable wound cover which absorbs moisture and resist infection can be used to prevent development of chronic wounds. A major criterion for a replaceable wound dressing is nonadherence to cells to prevent pain upon removal. A major limitation of water absorbing hydrogels used in wound dressing applications is their poor mechanical strength. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) was synthesized by reacting Type A porcine skin gelatin with methacrylic anhydride at 50 8C. Resultant GelMA monomer containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) protected silver nanoparticles were subsequently copolymerized with 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) at room temperature by redox mechanism. This resulted in a hydrogel copolymer with optimum mechanical stability and moisture retention while inhibiting microbial contamination and FT-IR spectroscopy was used to confirm copolymer formation. Antimicrobial properties of the hydrogel using agar diffusion showed zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Surface morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis was carried out using energydispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis of the hydrogel showed enhancement in the pore size from around 32 m to 48-64 m after incorporation of silver nanoparticles. Degradation of the hydrogel was observed after 48 h when stored in PBS containing collagenase enzyme. In vitro cell culture experiments established absence of cytotoxicity in the hydrogel and nonadherence character to dermal fibroblasts.

High‐strength hydrogels: Microstructure design, characterization and applications

“…Since a NC hydrogel composite with inorganic nanoparticle was first studied by Haraguchi and Takehisa in 2002, nanoparticle composite hydrogels have received considerable attention in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wastewater treatment . A wide range of nanoparticles have been used for hydrogel reinforcement, including polymeric particles (nanogels, core‐shell particles, dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers, liposomes, polymer micelles), inorganic particles (e.g., hydroxyapatite, silicate) and metal/metal oxide particles (e.g., silver, gold, ZnO, TiO 2 ).…”

Silver Nanomaterials for Wound Dressing Applications

“…Based on using human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, AgNPs significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and promoted healing [121]. In vitro cell culture tests exhibited no cytotoxicity in the hydrogel containing AgNPs and non-adherent character to dermal fibroblasts [122]. Compared with conventional topical agents, AgNPs can both effectively prevent wound infections and improve the healing process of injured tissues.…”

Facile Fabrication of Sandwich Structural Membrane With a Hydrogel Nanofibrous Mat as Inner Layer for Wound Dressing Application

“…Both electrospun polyurethane and gelatin are popular materials for wound dressings application (Li et al, 2016 ; Resmi et al, 2016 ; Sahraro et al, 2016 ; Nian et al, 2018 ). Polyurethane (PU) currently is one of the most widely applied synthetic polymers.…”