In vivo diabetic wound healing potential of nanobiocomposites containing bamboo cellulose nanocrystals impregnated with silver nanoparticles

In diabetes, hyperglycemic state immensely hinders the wound healing. Here, nanobiocomposites (NCs) developed by impregnation of in situ prepared silver nanoparticles in the matrix of bamboo cellulose nanocrystals were investigated for their ability to hasten the progress of healing events in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice model. Wounds treated with topically applied NCs (hydrogels) showed full recovery (98-100%) within 18 days post wounding in contrast to the various control groups where incomplete healing (88-92%) was noticed. Biochemical estimations documented a marked decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha leading to decreased inflammation in NCs treated mice. Significantly increased expression of collagen and growth factors (FGF, PDGF, VEGF) upon NCs treatment resulted in improved re-epithelialization, vasculogenesis and collagen deposition as compared to control groups. Hence, developed nanobiocomposites showcased potential to serve as highly effective and biocompatible wound dressings for diabetic patients. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.