Wounds are a serious health concern that is often made worse by conditions including bacterial infections, poor blood circulation, and decreased cell growth. This work presents a novel sustainable wound dressing sponge made of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), rice husk (RH), and chitosan (CS). CS functions as a biocompatible matrix that induces cell adhesion and proliferation, while ZnO-NPs provide their well-documented antibacterial activity, which is critical for wound infection prevention. RH, a natural and renewable resource, strengthens the structural integrity of the composite and offers further antioxidant advantages. CS/RH/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized by the freeze-drying method, and its evaluation was done through various tests, including wound healing assays, antibacterial tests, and histological analysis. Antibacterial tests revealed substantial inhibition zones against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (22 mm), which is comparable to other commonly used wound care materials, validating the material’s effectiveness in preventing infections. Within 14 days, in vivo testing showed a 75 % wound closure rate, which was far higher than the control group's 50 % closure rate. Histopathological analysis showed marked re-epithelialization and active tissue regeneration, evidenced by pronounced acanthosis in the epidermis. In addition to improving therapeutic effectiveness, this multipurpose approach to wound care lessens dependency on non-renewable resources. This study demonstrated that the development of a sponge wound dressing from rice husk, a natural agricultural byproduct, represents a sustainable approach to wound care. By reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and minimizing the environmental impact of medical waste, it offers an eco-friendly solution that enhances wound management.
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