We prepared cerium oxide nanoparticles having size range of 160 nm by using simple and effective sol-gel process and evaluated its wound healing potential. Quite interestingly we found that 2% nanoceria enhanced wound healing activity to a considerable extent which could be supported by increased amount of Hydroxylproline content (4.7 g/ml), wound tensile strength of 44.88 N/cm 2 and wound closure time, which are quite high when compared to other treated groups. Histopathology also showed no inflammation and increased amount of collagen production in group treated with 2% nanoceria. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by SEM and XRD. The probable mechanism may be due to the dual oxidation state of cerium oxide which will help in scavenging ROS and reduce oxidative stress locally which is required for wound healing.

Nanostructured and conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) is used in numerous applications in electrotherapy, electro-magnetic materials for monitoring health, antimicrobial clothing, data transfer in smart textiles, biosensors and for defense technology. An important criterion for all the above mentioned utilities is, producing polymeric conductive fibers. In the present study we prepared conducting PANI nanofibres combined with mupirocin, a topical antimicrobial agent, through a self-assembly process. The prepared polymer was then tested for the antibacterial properties against various Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify the chemical structure of the PANI nanofibres. The antibacterial properties were assessed by measuring the zones of inhibition. It was evident from these results that antimicrobial activity increased with increasing PANI and PANI combined with mupirocin (PANI-mupirocin) concentrations. It was also found that PANI-mupirocin has enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to PANI alone. This information might be useful to evaluate the potential use of nanostructured polyaniline in fabrics incorporated with antibacterial agents as a prophylactic use against bacterial skin infections in the near future.

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