One-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles embedded in polysaccharide-based hydrogel: Physical-chemical characterization and feasibility for large-scale production.

In this study, polysaccharide-based hydrogel wound dressings containing in situ synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by using a simple, fast and green protocol. The prepared hydrogels were characterized with UV-vis and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The rheological and swelling properties and the feasibility to scale-up the wound dressing production from the lamination of the prepared hydrogel on non-woven fabric were also investigated. UV-vis spectra confirmed the AuNPs synthesis and the DLS results exhibited an increase in the size of AuNPs with increasing the initial Au3+ concentration. The rheological analysis showed that the augmentation of the initial Au3+ concentration reduces the gel viscosity and gelling temperature. Besides, the FT-IR spectra revealed that the AuNPs hinder the intermolecular interactions between kappa-carrageenan (κCG) and locust bean gum (LBG). The feasibility of scale-up the wound dressing production from the prepared hydrogel was confirmed through the lamination tests.

Smart wound dressing based on κ-carrageenan/locust bean gum/cranberry extract for monitoring bacterial infections.

A smart wound dressing based on carrageenan (κC), locust bean gum (LBG), and cranberry extract (CB) for monitoring bacterial wound infections was developed and characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and SEM. The mechanical, swelling, cytotoxic and pH sensor properties were also investigated. UV-vis spectra demonstrated that the obtained κC:LBG:CB hydrogel film exhibited a visible change of colors as it was immersed in PBS solution pH 5.0, 7.3 and 9.0. The spectra of FT-IR suggested that chemical interactions had occurred between κC and CB extract. The obtained κC:LBG:CB hydrogel film exhibited adequate mechanical properties and a swelling behavior dependent on pH. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that κC:LBG:CB hydrogel film had dose-dependent cytotoxicity against NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. The in vitro studies using Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated that the color changes of the κC:LBG:CB hydrogel film could be observed by naked eyes, confirming the potential use of the obtained hydrogel film as a visual system for monitoring bacterial wound infections.