Influence of Nanoparticle Content and Cross-Linking Degree on Functional Attributes of Calcium Alginate-ZnO Nanocomposite Wound Dressings

Alginate-ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO<sub>nano</sub>) composite wound dressing membranes were prepared with two different ZnO<sub>nano</sub> concentrations (0.03 and 0.20 g ZnO/g sodium alginate) and cross-linked with two different calcium treatments (low and high Ca<sup>++&l...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sergio Henrique Toledo e Silva, Andrea Cristiane Krause Bierhalz, Ângela Maria Moraes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Membranes
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/15/4/108
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Summary:Alginate-ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO<sub>nano</sub>) composite wound dressing membranes were prepared with two different ZnO<sub>nano</sub> concentrations (0.03 and 0.20 g ZnO/g sodium alginate) and cross-linked with two different calcium treatments (low and high Ca<sup>++</sup>concentration) to evaluate the influence of nanoparticle content and cross-linking degree on membrane attributes. ZnO<sub>nano</sub> addition did not significantly alter the mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, swelling degree in water and the alginate amorphous nature of the nanocomposite membranes. The increase in cross-linking degree, on the other hand, altered the microstructure of the membranes, increased the tensile strength and reduced the water vapor permeability of the nanocomposite membranes. The presence of ZnO<sub>nano</sub> in alginate membranes granted them antibacterial activity in vitro against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and substantially increased the absorption capacity in phosphate buffer and fetal bovine serum solutions, validating their potential use as wound dressings.
ISSN:2077-0375