Enhanced antibacterial activity and wound healing by a novel collagen blended ZnO nanoparticles embedded niosome nanocomposites

The developments in nanotechnology can offer novel approaches capable of delivering their desired activities. The goal of this present study is to develop novel nanocomposites based on collagen (Coll) and non-ionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes (Nio)) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to be used for rapid wound healing and as an antimicrobial agent. The ZnO NPs, niosomes, collagen and collagen-blended zinc oxide nanoparticles embedded niosomes (Coll-Nio-ZnO) nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques, such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, particle size analysis and zeta potential measurement. The ZnO nanoparticles are quasi-spherical in form, with a diameter of <100 nm. The respective average hydrodynamic size and the zeta potential of the nanocomposite are 3 mu m and -42.2 +/- 0.8 mV. In addition, ZnO NPs, niosomes, collagen, and nanocomposites were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against pathogenic Gram + ve and Gram -ve bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. They were highly sensitive to Coll-Nio-ZnO nanocomposites. The Coll-Nio-ZnO nanocomposite exhibited good cytocompatibility against normal fibroblast 3T3 cell and also facilitated faster wound healing of 3T3 cell and high potential for skin regeneration.

Automated summary

The study developed novel nanocomposites based on collagen and zinc oxide nanoparticles for rapid wound healing and antimicrobial purposes. These nanocomposites demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties and facilitated faster wound healing, showing high potential for skin regeneration.