Recent advances on silver nanoparticle and biopolymer-based biomaterials for wound healing applications

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are classified as metal-based nanopartides and have gained considerable attention amongst researchers in wound healing applications, owing to their physicochemical and biological properties. Biopolymers are abundantly available from natural sources and are used in numerous applications in pharmaceutical sciences and medicine. Silver nanoparticles and biopolymer-based biomaterials (AgNP-BMs) are non-cytotoxic and safe for patients in wound care management. The unique intrinsic features of AgNP-BMs promote wound healing and effectively control the growth of microorganisms at the wound site, and this strategy plays an important role in the treatment of both acute and chronic wounds. In this review article, we focus on the advanced therapeutic approaches of AgNP-BMs and their potential role in wound healing applications, which includes multifunctional properties, antimicrobial activities and various forms of AgNP-BMs. Moreover, the review briefly recaps on recent progress made in biopolymers, silver, AgNPs and their potential role in clinical research and a commercial platform for the treatment of wounds. Silver nanoparticle and biopolymer-based biomaterial offers a high-degree of biocompatibility and biodegradability in physiological conditions and can be considered as an effective material for wound dressings in the treatment of different wounds. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.