Enhancing Wound Healing with Nanohydrogel-Entrapped Plant Extracts and Nanosilver: An In Vitro Investigation

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process that can be improved through advanced biomedical approaches. Incorporating nanopolymers and plant extracts into wound dressings offers a favorable strategy for promoting tissue repair. Nanopolymers provide a controlled environment for sustained drug release while also protecting the wound from external contaminants. When combined with bioactive compounds from plant extracts, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, this hybrid approach can accelerate healing, reduce infection, and improve tissue regeneration. Hence, in this study, we have synthesized alginate/gelatin hydrogel blended with only nanosilver (Alg/gel-Ag) and with nanosilver and plant extracts like aloe vera, curcumin, plantain peel extract, and Calendula flower petal extract (Alg/gel-AgP). The synthesized hydrogels were characterized using different photophysical tools, and the cytotoxicity effect was studied using a fibroblast cell line (V79). The antibacterial effect of the hydrogels was also observed against E. coli and S. aureus, determining the MIC and MBC. The wound healing in vitro was also assessed using scratch assay which depicted a rapid wound closure for Alg/gel-AgP compared to the untreated control and Alg/gel-Ag. The combined effect between nanotechnology and natural extracts represents a novel and effective approach for enhancing the wound healing process.