Production and characterization of silver nanoparticle-doped wound dressing by green synthesis method using medicinal plant extracts

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were produced by green synthesis method from plant extracts obtained with different parameters using pure water and citric acid. Wound dressings were obtained using pure extracts containing synthesized silver nanoparticles, gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol. Swelling ratio, water vapor permeability ratio, moisture uptake, moisture contents and surface pH values of the films were determined. It has been determined that the resulting films have a high swelling ratio that would contribute to the dryness of the wound surface. The films obtained from pure plant extracts and 20% AgNP containing solution of the plant extract prepared with pure water at a solid/liquid ratio of 1/10 (g/mL) are suitable for normal skin, while the films obtained from the solution containing 20% AgNP of the extracts prepared with pure water and citric acid at a solid/liquid ratio of 1/20 had a water vapor permeability rate suitable for granulated wounds. The participation of the compounds in the Inula extract in the synthesis of nanoparticles was observed in the FTIR spectra. As a result of SEM analysis, it was seen that the AgNPs in the content of the films were distributed homogeneously in the film and therefore the peaks indicating the presence of AgNP in the XRD spectrum were seen with low intensity. The moisture content of the films and the moisture loss determined in the TGA analysis were found to be compatible with each other. Drug release was achieved in a controlled manner in the AgNP-added film containing citric acid. It was determined that the most effective film for paracetamol release was the film produced from the solution containing 20% AgNP of the plant extract prepared with citric acid at a solid/liquid ratio of 1/20 (g/mL). All films produced with pure plant extract and silver nanoparticle showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. Aureus. Wound dressings produced in this study are promising for use in wound dressing applications according to both physical and structural properties of the films.