Silver nanoparticle-embedded poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) hydrogel dressing: gamma-ray synthesis and biological evaluation

Abstract

Silver nanoparticle (nAg)-embedded poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogels, to be used as antibacterial wound dressings, were prepared by γ-irradiation at various doses: 25, 35, and 45 kGy. The formation and characteristics of the silver nanoparticles were investigated with a UV–vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray. The hydrogels were characterized for physical and biological properties. Based on the antibacterial determination, the 1 and 5 mM nAg–embedded PVP hydrogels were effective, with 99.99% bactericidal activity at 12 and 6 h, respectively. The indirect cytotoxicity evaluation based on 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay indicated that both the neat and the nAg-embedded PVP hydrogels were non-toxic to mouse fibroblasts (L929). The 5 mM nAg-embedded PVP hydrogels not only provided a clean, moist environment for wound healing, but also effectively prevented bacterial infection and enhanced wound recovery.

Keywords:

• hydrogels
• silver nanoparticles
• poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)
• γ-irradiation
• wound dressing

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge Center of Excellence on Petrochemical and Materials Technology (PETROMAT); the Petroleum and Petrochemical College (PPC), Chulalongkorn University; and Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand. Appreciation is also expressed to the Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.

Funding

This work was supported by the Office of the Higher Education Commission, Thailand under [grant number 100/2550].