Nanocomposite sponges of sodium alginate/graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol as potential wound dressing: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Abstract

Wound dressings with high flexibility, mechanical strength, and porosity have received increasing attention. Herein, nanocomposite sponges of sodium alginate/graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinyl alcohol were prepared by a freeze-thawing cyclic process and freeze-dried molding. The properties of the sponges were investigated including morphology, mechanical properties, swelling, water vapor permeability, in vitro norfloxacin (NFX) release, antibacterial property, and biocompatibility as well as in vivo wound healing in a mouse model. A GO concentration of 1 wt% resulted in the sponges with a homogeneously porous and interconnected network structure, which exhibited suitable water absorption, breathability, and mechanical properties. Hemolysis tests indicated that the prepared sponges were non-hemolytic material. The CCK-8 assay demonstrated that the presence of an appropriate amount of GO could promote the cell proliferation. The sponges displayed excellent bioavailability of NFX, with a sustained release behavior and a strong inhibitory effect against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The in vivo evaluations demonstrated that the sponges enhanced wound healing. Therefore, these novel nanocomposite sponges are promising candidates for wound healing applications.