Laser deposited ultra-thin silver nanoparticles on CMC-PVA blend film as sheet for wound dressings

Abstract

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using pulsed laser deposition and deposited on a sheet film composed of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and AgNPs. These polymeric-based nano-composites were investigated for their potential application in wound healing. The structural properties of the composites were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Morphological features were observed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and roughness characteristics were studied using FESEM micrographs. The CMC-PVA-AgNPs scaffolds with deposition times of 10 and 12.5 min showed minimal deviations in surface structure compared to the composites with longer deposition times, where scattered AgNPs and aggregates were observed. Furthermore, the roughness parameter (Ra) values indicated the potential of silver NPs in creating trapping sites and crystal defects, as evidenced by an increase in Ra from 18.96 nm in the pure CMC-PVA blend to 34.17 nm at a deposition time of 20 min. The optical properties of the composites were investigated by determining the band-gap of direct and indirect transition modes, which exhibited a decreasing trend. The presence of silver NPs was confirmed by the plasmon absorption band observed around 400 nm. The intensity of the plasmon peaks increased with longer laser deposition times, indicating an increase in the silver content over time. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the prepared scaffolds against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus leutus was evaluated, and the results strongly support the potential of the prepared material for biological applications. In conclusion, the synthesized CMC-PVA-AgNPs nano-composites deposited using pulsed laser deposition technique exhibited promising properties for wound healing applications. The comprehensive characterization of the composites, including their structural, morphological, optical, and antibacterial properties, provides valuable insights for further research and development in the field of biomaterials.