FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CURCUMIN–SILVER NANOPARTICLE HYDROGEL FOR DIABETIC WOUND HEALING

Background: Diabetic wounds exhibit delayed healing due to persistent infection, oxidative stress, and impaired angiogenesis. Developing a multifunctional formulation capable of combining antimicrobial and antioxidant activity is essential for effective therapy. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a curcumin–silver nanoparticle (Cur–AgNP) loaded sodium-alginate hydrogel for enhanced diabetic wound healing. Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical reduction using sodium borohydride, with curcumin serving as a stabilizing and secondary reducing agent. The resulting Cur–AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The nanoparticles were incorporated into a sodium-alginate hydrogel base and evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, swelling index, drug-release behavior, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results: The Cur–AgNP hydrogel exhibited skin-compatible pH (5.3 ± 0.1), high spreadability, and a swelling index of ~180 % at 8 h. UV–Vis spectra displayed a characteristic SPR peak at 430 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. DLS analysis revealed a mean particle size of 92.4 ± 12.6 nm, PDI 0.21, and zeta potential –23.7 mV, indicating stability. The formulation showed sustained curcumin release (78 % at 24 h) following Higuchi and first-order kinetics, and strong antibacterial activity (ZOI 15.9–18.6 mm), demonstrating synergistic action of curcumin and AgNPs. Conclusion: The developed Cur–AgNP hydrogel combines antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities within a biocompatible matrix, providing a promising platform for diabetic wound management. The formulation’s physicochemical stability, sustained release, and broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy suggest excellent potential for further in-vivo and clinical translation.