Green synthesis of AgNPs catalyzing free radical polymerization as wound dressing with an anti-bacterial effect

The development of wound dressing materials remains a critical need, driven by the complexity of wound environments and the intricate nature of the healing process. One of the most common wound dressing materials in research is hydrogel polymerized through different initiators and catalysts. However, not all catalysts can ensure low cytotoxicity, hence, the potential of designing hydrogel-based wound dressing materials is restricted in certain aspects. In this report, we have demonstrated a facile and green synthesis method to polymerize gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polydopamine (PDA) without additional catalysts. AgNPs and silver ions are long known to have a catalytic ability that is proven to work on free radical polymerization in this report. AgNPs were successfully obtained by reducing AgNO 3 through catechol groups from PDA. The materials adopted in this project are ensured to be bio-friendly and green. The final product (GelMA-AgPDA) had good mechanical strength and swelling ability with a negligible difference with GelMA catalyzed by tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED). In vivo test was then conducted which show the superior wound healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties of the GelMA-AgPDA wound dressing.