Effect of Rhazya stricta-synthesized Copper Nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus-infected Wounds in Rabbit

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized in various technological fields, including medicine, due to their inherent antibacterial properties. Recent research has focused on the biosynthesis of copper NPs (CuNPs) and their potential medical applications. Objectives: This study aimed to use Rhazya stricta for the green synthesis of CuNPs and assess their effectiveness in eradicating bacterial pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, and promoting wound healing in rabbits. Methods: The synthesized NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and zeta potential analysis. Fifteen rabbits were divided into three groups of five. Full-thickness costo-abdominal skin wounds were created on the right side of each rabbit. The first group served as the untreated control, the second group was treated with CuNPs, and the third group received fusidic acid treatment. Results: R. stricta extract successfully synthesized CuNPs. The application of CuNPs on S. aureus-contaminated wounds showed faster healing than fusidic acid treatment. The CuNPs group healed in 16 days, while the fusidic acid group healed in 22 days. CuNPs-treated wounds had significantly reduced wound area, total cell count, neutrophil count, macrophage count, and lymphocyte count (P<0.05), along with increased wound contracture (P<0.05). Bacterial counts indicated that CuNPs eradicated S. aureus infections in seven days, compared to 12 days for fusidic acid. CuNPs reduced inflammation and promoted collagen fiber deposition, leading to better healing of S. aureus-infected wounds by decreasing hemorrhagic regions and inflammatory cells. Conclusion: CuNPs synthesized using R. stricta show promising potential as a safe and effective treatment for infected wounds. They effectively eradicate infections and promote efficient wound healing, making them a viable therapeutic option for managing infected wounds.