Bacterial cellulose membrane incorporated with silver nanoparticles for wound healing in animal model

The bacterial cellulose membrane (CM) is a promising biomaterial due to its easy applicability and moist environment. Moreover, nanoscale silver compounds (AgNO3) are synthesized and incorporated into CMs to provide these biomaterials with antimicrobial activity for wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the cell viability of CM incorporated with nanoscale silver compounds, determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and its use on in vivo skin lesions. Wistar rats were divided according to treatment: untreated, CM (cellulose membrane), and AgCM (CM incorporated with silver nanoparticles). The euthanasia was performed on the 2nd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days to assess inflammation (myeloperoxidase-neutrophils, N-acetylglucosaminidase-macro-phage, IL-10, IL-10), oxidative stress (NO-nitric oxide, DCF-H2O2), oxidative damage (carbonyl: mem-brane's damage; sulfhydryl: membrane's integrity), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase; glutathione), angiogenesis, tissue formation (collagen, TGF-01, smooth muscle a-actin, small decorin, and biglycan proteoglycans). The use of AgCM did not show toxicity, but antibacterial effect in vitro. Moreover, in vivo, AgCM provided balanced oxidative action, modulated the inflammatory profile due to the reduction of IL-10 level and increase in IL-10 level, in addition to increased angiogenesis and collagen formation. The results suggest the use of silver nanoparticles (AgCM) enhanced the CM properties by providing anti-bacterial properties, modulation the inflammatory phase, and consequently promotes the healing of skin lesions, which can be used clinically to treat injuries.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the cell viability, minimum inhibitory concentration, and therapeutic effect of nanoscale silver compounds incorporated into bacterial cellulose membranes. The results showed that the silver nanoparticles had effective antimicrobial activity and promoted wound healing by balancing oxidative action and modulating the inflammatory response.