Collagen and chitosan-based biogenic sprayable gel of silver nanoparticle for advanced wound care

Abstract Silver nanoparticles have gained significant attention recently due to their unique antibacterial properties, making them promising candidates for wound care applications. This study proposes a novel approach for advanced wound care using a silver nanoparticle-impregnated biogenic spray hydrogel supplemented with collagen and chitosan. Silver nanoparticles were incorporated into the hydrogel (optimised by a QbD approach) to impart antimicrobial activity, crucial for combating wound infections and promoting faster healing. The study assessed the physical and chemical properties of the biogenic hydrogel, including its viscosity, pH, and nanoparticle dispersion characteristics. In vitro, antimicrobial efficacy against common wound pathogens and in vivo studies using chronic wound models in small animals portrayed the immense potential of the developed biogenic hydrogel in effectively reducing the bacterial load of broad-spectrum pathogens. The hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility, supporting cell proliferation and tissue repair without toxic effects. It accelerated wound healing, improved collagen deposition, and enhanced tissue regeneration in the tested animals by reducing proinflammatory cytokines, ROS and NF-kb levels. Overall, this innovative silver nanoparticle-impregnated biogenic spray hydrogel of collagen and chitosan presents a uniform spray pattern that proved efficient, showing a promising solution for advanced wound care. Its biocompatibility, safety, anti-inflmmatory, antimicrobial efficacy, and wound-healing properties hold great potential for improving the management of complex wounds, opening new avenues in wound care and regenerative medicine.