Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles functionalized with Chromolaena odorata metabolites: Formulation and antimicrobial evaluation of a topical wound-healing cream

This study investigated the potential of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from the ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata (Hagonoy) as an antimicrobial and wound-healing agent. The research followed a descriptive-comparative and experimental design in which the AgNPs were characterised for morphology, tested for antimicrobial efficiency, and subsequently evaluated in an in-vivo excision wound model using Albino Wistar rats. The AgNPs were synthesised and characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis analysis revealed absorbance peaks between 410 and 450 nm, while SEM showed spherical and irregularly shaped nanoparticles ranging from 106 to 186 nm. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method at three concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg/mL). Among these, the 100 mg/mL formulation exhibited the largest zone of inhibition, showing strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and partial activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. For in-vivo testing, an excision wound model in Albino Wistar rats demonstrated that the 100 mg/mL AgNPs-Hagonoy cream achieved complete wound healing by Day 9, comparable to the positive control. Hypersensitivity assessments, including scratch and patch tests, showed no signs of skin irritation at different evaluation intervals. Overall, biosynthesised silver nanoparticles capped with Hagonoy metabolites exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, demonstrated promising wound-healing performance, and achieved complete wound closure by Day 9 under the experimental conditions without inducing hypersensitivity. These findings highlight the relevance of green chemistry in nanomedicine and support the potential of AgNPs-Hagonoy cream as an adjunct for antimicrobial therapy and as an alternative for wound-care applications.