ABSTRACT
To examine the utilization of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in different commercial products, this work focuses on the determination of cost-effective and scalable synthesis protocols. The solvothermal protocol is well-known as a scalable method but has recently been shown to lack economic feasibility. The mechanochemical method has recently been recognized to be a more economic and environmentally friendly substitute for the solvothermal method. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized using two (aqueous and organic) solvothermal (wet) methods and two (manual and automated) mechanochemical (dry) methods. The four methods were evaluated and compared. The automated mechanochemical method generated a significantly higher yield of ZnO NPs (82%) and CuO NPs (84%) using the least energy and time. However, the prepared ZnO NPs displayed higher cytotoxicity against Vero E6 cells when compared to that of CuO NPs. Because of their low cytotoxicity, CuO NPs synthesized via the automated mechanochemical method were selected for application onto cotton fabrics. Lower cytotoxicity was observed for CuO NPs treated fabrics with an IC50 of 562 mg/mL and ZnO treated fabrics with an IC50 at 23.93 mg/mL when the treated fabrics were tested against L929 fibroblast cells. Additionally, the cotton fabrics retained bactericidal and virucidal effects after four washes. Thus, the current study recommends the automated mechanochemical method as a cost-effective scalable approach for the synthesis of CuO NPs. The application of CuO NPs onto cotton fabrics generated washable antimicrobial face masks.
ABSTRACT
The present study describes the development of multifunctional hemostatic sponges to control bleeding. Chitosan (Ch) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were selected as the basic polymeric matrix [Ch/PVA] for sponges. Glycerol and citric acid were used as crosslinkers [Ch/PVA/G(Cl)] to enhance the mechanical properties of the developed sponges. Ciprofloxacin (AB) was added to the developed sponge to impart antibacterial activity. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was also added, which would make the sponge suitable for bone surgery. Among the developed sponges, the Ch/PVA/G(Cl)-HA-AB sponge demonstrated enhanced cell viability, mechanical properties, and strong antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, in addition to platelet aggregation activity. The addition of ciprofloxacin and hydroxyapatite promotes a unique synergistic effect of antimicrobial activity and hemostasis. Thus, the present study introduces Ch/PVA/G(Cl)-HA-AB, a multifunctional hemostatic sponge that would be suitable for bone surgical applications.
ABSTRACT
Most of the spray products in the market for wound healing applications are loaded with antibiotics that exert their antibacterial effect within the inflammatory stage of wound healing without demonstrating any effect in the subsequent proliferation stage. This study introduces a new aerosolized nanopowder (ANP) formula that not only exhibits antibacterial effect but also antioxidant and enhanced cell proliferation effects. Within the introduced ANP formula, Avicenna marina (Am) extract and neomycin (NM) antibiotic have been loaded within silk-fibroin nanoparticles (FB NPs). The Am has been extracted via different solvent systems, and investigated for its antioxidant and antibacterial activity as well as its ability to enhance cell proliferation. The physicochemical properties, size, zeta-potential and morphology of the prepared Am/FB NPs, NM/FB NPs and ANP formula were investigated. Besides, the ANP formula exhibited good antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin resistant S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Resistant P. aeruginosa. Scratch wound healing assay on human fibroblast monolayers demonstrated 100% wound closure after 24 h upon using the ANP formula as compared to 70% wound closure for positive control (NM). The wound healing ability of the ANP formula has been further confirmed by histopathological evaluation of the wound site and depicted a marked increase in fibroblast proliferation and reduction of inflammatory cells after 15 days with a complete wound closure as compared to controls. The obtained results prove the beneficial effects of the Am extract on wound healing and introduce the developed multitask nanopowder formula as a potential wound healing spray.
