Biosynthesis and in vivo wound healing abilities of Dactyloctenium aegyptium-mediated silver nanoparticles used as hydrogel dressing

Wounds offer a medium for the growth of pathogens and their entry into the body, which necessitates effective wound healing treatments. Herein, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Dactyloctenium aegyptium extract as a capping and reducing agent for wound healing applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM, XRD, and in vitro antibacterial activity. Nanoparticles were then incorporated into PVA, Na-alginate, and gelatin-based hydrogel dressings to investigate their in vivo wound healing capability in rats. The color change of the reaction mixture and the surface plasmon resonance (400 nm) confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FT-IR analysis revealed the involvement of plant extract phytochemicals in the capping and stabilization of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were crystalline in nature, with an average crystallite size of 28.03 nm and exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus , P. aeruginosa , K. pneumoniae and E. coli (ZOI 19 ± 0.0, 9 ± 0.0, 13 ± 0.0, and 13 ± 0.0 mm respectively). Furthermore, silver nanoparticle-loaded hydrogels showed accelerated wound healing in rats compared to untreated rats and rats treated with a commercial product. Thus, the developed hydrogel dressing has the potential for clinical application in wound healing and infection treatment. • Silver nanoparticles synthesised using plant extract. • Synthesised nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity. • Nanoparticles were incorporated into biodegradable hydrogel. • Nanoparticles-incorporated hydrogel dressings showed accelerated wound healing.