Antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/bacterial cellulose/nano-silver hydrogels that effectively promote wound healing

Abstract

The lack of antibacterial properties limits the application of bacterial cellulose hydrogels in wound dressings. To overcome this deficiency, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were introduced as antibacterial agents into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/bacterial cellulose (BC) solution. A freeze-thaw method promoted formation of PVA/BC/Ag hydrogels and improved their mechanical properties. The physicochemical and biological properties of this hydrogel were systematically characterized. Those results showed the hydrogels contained a porous three-dimensional reticulum structure and had high mechanical properties. Also, the hydrogels possessed outstanding antibacterial properties and good biocompatibilities. More importantly, it effectively repaired wound defects in mice models and wound healing reached 97.89% within 15 days, and far exceeded other groups and indicated its potential for use in wound treatment applications.