Synthesis and Characterization of a Chitosan/PVA Antimicrobial Hydrogel Nanocomposite for Responsive Wound Management Materials

Abstract

The development of novel wound management materials must address several challenges to be most efficacious. Successful wound management should include the ability to adhere to wound surfaces, absorb wound exudates, and enhance bactericidal effectiveness. Few current biomaterials address all of these characteristics and in addition often have poor structural rigidity leading to a lack of protection and support to ensure proper cell growth. The focus of this study was to develop a multifunctional biomimetic nanocomposite system that will improve mechanical stability, effectively eliminate E. coli and S.aureus biofilm propagation, and serve as a scaffold for effective adult human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) growth. Synthetic parameters, such as the ratio of chitosan to PVA concentration and deposition method for the incorporation of Ag+-functionalized nanoparticles into the final nanocomposite, were optimized. It was determined the deposition reaction pH and Ag+ concentration played a key role in the control of post reaction particle size and zeta potential. It was also determined that the concentration of Ag+ functionalized nanoparticle incorporated into the nanocomposite must be greater than 5 mM to achieve optimal control of biofilm formation. The prepared hydrogel nanocomposites demonstrated effective bacterial inhibition when exposed to cultures of E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA. Lastly, human dermal fibroblast test results revealed that when PVA concentration increased in the system, there was no appreciable cell growth. On the other hand, when the ratio of biomimetic chitosan and PVA is optimized to reduce the overall amount of synthetic polymer (PVA), there was healthy cell growth. These results directly speak to a key finding that reveals the importance of the correct balance or the removal of synthetic polymer from the system.