Green synthesis, development and bioactivity of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides-AgNP-loaded electrospun nanofibers

The development of advanced wound dressings is crucial for accelerating the healing process and preventing infections. In this study, silver nanoparticles (HS-AgNPs) were synthesized using Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (HS) extracted through an eco-friendly green method and incorporated into polycaprolactone/polyethylene oxide (PCL/PEO) nanofibers produced by electrospinning. The HS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, zeta potential, and FTIR analyses, which confirmed their spherical morphology, nanoscale size distribution (20–80 nm), and high colloidal stability. Phytochemical screening of the HS extract revealed bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which functioned as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation. PCL/PEO nanofibers coated with different AgNP concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) were successfully fabricated, showing uniform nanoparticle coated. Structural, mechanical, and thermal analyses demonstrated that AgNP incorporation improved the fibers’ stability and performance. Antibacterial activity assays against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) revealed a concentration-dependent effect, with 5% AgNP-coated nanofibers achieving more than 99.99% bacterial reduction. Cytocompatibility studies with L929 fibroblast cells confirmed that all formulations maintained high cell viability, with no statistically significant cytotoxic effects observed. Overall, the HS-AgNP coated PCL/PEO nanofibers exhibited excellent antibacterial efficacy, enhanced stability, and reliable biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of HS-based green-synthesized AgNPs as a sustainable and effective approach for the development of multifunctional wound dressing materials in biomedical applications.