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

Alginate-ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO_nano) composite wound dressing membranes were prepared with two different ZnO_nano concentrations (0.03 and 0.20 g ZnO/g sodium alginate) and cross-linked with two different calcium treatments (low and high Ca⁺⁺concentration) to evaluate the influence of nanoparticle content and cross-linking degree on membrane attributes. ZnO_nano 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_nano 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.