Title: Combination of high efficiency nano-silver and alginate for wound infection control

Authors: Yi-Han Lin; Niann-Tzyy Dai; Po-Da Hong

Addresses: Biomedical Engineering Program, Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan ' Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ' Biomedical Engineering Program, Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract: Numerous chemical and physical methods have been employed to prepare metal nanoparticles, including chemical reduction. Silver has been known to have potential for bactericidal properties and promotion of wound healing. The recent emergence of nanotechnology has provided a new therapeutic modality in silver nanoparticles for use in burn wounds. We used chemical reduction for preparation of nano-silver particles by mixing with 10% alginate gel to form nano-silver particles alginate colloid for the coating on alginate fibre dressing. By inhibition zone test, MTT assay and anti-bacterial test in SD rat, nano-Ag-Alginate dressings were tested about bacteriostasis and security. The results of antibacterial test in vivo and in vitro show that nano-silver containing wound dressing (nano-Ag-Alginate) has high efficiency on bacteriostasis. MTT assays result shows that nano-Ag-Alginate is not cytotoxic. Therefore, nano-Ag-Alginate can have clinical application for difficult wound healing.

Keywords: nanosilver; alginate gel; wound infections; infection control; bactericidal properties; MTT assays; nanotechnology; silver nanoparticles; burn wounds; wound dressings; bacteriostasis; wound healing; burns treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2013.058118

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2013 Vol.10 No.10/11, pp.905 - 915

Published online: 08 Dec 2013 *

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