Green synthesis of Colocasia esculenta-based silver nanoparticles: characterization and transdermal delivery for anti-inflammatory applications

The current study aims to develop chitosan transdermal patches containing AgNPs synthesized and characterized from <i>C. esculenta</i> to reduce inflammation. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared utilizing the <i>C. esculenta</i> extract and characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential measurements, and particle size analysis. The AgNPs were incorporated into chitosan-based transdermal patches, which were assessed for physicochemical properties, dermal compatibility, and anti-inflammatory effectiveness. <i>In vitro</i> protein denaturation and <i>in vivo</i> carrageenan-induced paw edema models evaluated anti-inflammatory efficacy. Characterization verified that the AgNPs were stable and spherical. The transdermal patches were biocompatible, had uniform thickness, and were extremely adhesive. The anti-inflammatory effects of AgNP-loaded patches were found to be superior to those of diclofenac sodium in <i>in vivo</i> studies, while <i>in vitro</i> studies revealed a notable inhibition of protein denaturation (p < 0.05). The current study offers new evidence that transdermal drug delivery systems derived from <i>C. esculenta</i> can effectively and sustainably manage inflammation.