Fabrication of an Antibacterial Alginate/Chitosan Hydrogel Dressing Loaded With <scp>CuO</scp> Nanoparticles for Wound Dressing Applications

Chronic wounds require multifunctional dressings capable of simultaneously controlling infection, managing exudate, and promoting tissue regeneration. This study develops CuO nanoparticles incorporated alginate/chitosan hydrogel dressing reinforced onto nonwoven fabrics of pure cotton, pure hemp, and 50:50 cotton: hemp blend fabricated via full factorial design for wound dressing applications. The composites were characterized by surface morphology, chemical structure, mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, air permeability, and water absorbency. Morphological analysis confirms uniform hydrogel coating and successful CuO deposition. Mechanical strength and water absorbency increased with hydrogel concentration, with a maximum tensile strength of 115.61 N for the hemp reinforced sample at 2%. All CuO-loaded hydrogel composite dressings exhibited effective antibacterial performance. Although higher hydrogel concentrations reduce air permeability, blended substrates achieve a balanced combination of strength, breathability, and exudate management. This eco-friendly, cost-effective composite demonstrates strong potential for infection control for wound healing applications.