Nanocrystalline Silver Research Articles

Nursing bibliometric analysis of wound infections.

This paper aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of research pertaining to the nursing care of infected wounds. It also aims to examine the current focal points and trends in research development. The paper offers research references that may be useful for practitioners interested in related areas. The Web of Science Core Collection database was queried for publications pertaining to infected wound care. Publication trends and proportions were analyzed using Graphpad Prism v8.0.2. CiteSpace (6.2.4R [64-bit]) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) were employed to assess the literature and conduct mapping. The Web of Science Core Collection database contains 3868 literature related to wound infection care, including 3327 articles and 541 reviews. The literature concerned 117 countries and territories, 4673 institutions, and 20,161 authors. The growth rate of literature was relatively slow before 2015 and markedly accelerated after 2016. Among them, the United States occupies the absolute dominance in research in this field, publishing 37.25% of the papers, and the United States occupies 8 of the top 10 scientific institutions that publish papers. The University of Harvard has published the largest number of papers. Keyword analysis shows a total of 1125 keywords, and through reference literature and time clustering analysis shows that wound healing, sepsis, spine surgery, postoperative infection, nanocrystalline silver, beta lactamase are the current research hotspots. The escalating rate of literary expansion since 2016 suggests that this domain is garnering an increasingly significant amount of interest. Minimizing the risk of patient wound infection is crucial in reducing patients' discomfort and facilitating their prompt recovery. The literature analysis presented in this study serves as a valuable resource for comprehending the current state of the subject and identifying the current areas of focus.

Atomistic insight of deformation mechanisms and mechanical characteristics of nano-scale silver (100) using nanoindentation

This work aims to utilize the widely adopted nanoindentation technique to explore the deformation behavior and mechanical characteristics of nanocrystalline silver (Ag) materials. Molecular Dynamics simulations were conducted to understand the material behavior at the nanometer scale. In this simulation, the effect of indentation velocity and indentation depth on defect formation and hardness during nanoindentation of Ag specimens was analyzed and discussed in detail. The results show that the deformation behavior of the Ag specimen was affected by different indentation velocities. These phenomena were confirmed by analyzing the load-displacement curve, which indicates elastic deformation by the appearance of a linear load-displacement at low indentation velocities. In contrast, plastic deformation was found by the presence of intensified serration in the load-displacement relationship at higher indentation velocities. In these cases, the hardness showed little variation when the indenter velocity was increased from 5 m/s to 10 m/s, whereas a significant increase in hardness was observed when the indentation velocity was further increased to 20 m/s. Importantly, the progression of load-displacement curves during nanoindentation demonstrates the occurrence of minor and major load drops, corresponding to an increase in indentation depth from 0.5 nm to 2 nm respectively. These findings were elucidated through dislocation extraction analysis (DXA), which revealed that a minor load drop at low indentation depths is attributed to the nucleation of an amorphous structure, while a major load drop at higher indentation depths is associated with the expansion of dislocation nucleation. Consequently, the hardness increased significantly as the indentation depth increased. This research, provides insight into atomistic investigation and offers guidelines for designing materials with excellent mechanical properties using nanoindentation.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF NANOCRYSTALLINE SILVER WITH COLLAGEN BASE CREAM AND 1% SILVER SULFADIAZINE (SSD) CREAM ON THE HEALING OF BURN WOUND

Background:The aim of burn management is to prevent hypovolemic shock ,infection ,septic shock, to promote early epithelialization as well as healing of wound . The present study aimed to compare the effects of Nano crystalline silver with collagen base cream and 1% silver sulfadiazine cream on the healing of burn wounds. Materials & Methods: A clinical prospective observational studyPatients with burn wounds were divided into two groups , one group was dressed with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream and the other group of patients was dressed with nano crystalline silver with collagen base cream. The wound dressing was changed everyday after washing the wound with normal saline. Wound parameters were assessed regularly , using clinical methods and photographs. The clinical data were statistically analyzed and results produced. Results: In this department study ,using silver sulphadiazine cream &nano crystalline silver with collagen base cream , enhanced epithelisation& granulation tissue following decreased slough was observed and the results were better with nano crystalline silver with collagen base cream because of early and increased appearance of granulation tissue in the wounds & this was also proved by statistical analysis.The mean hospital stay was less in patients who were undergoing dressing with nanocrystalline silver with collagen base cream. Conclusions: The effect of nanocrystalline silver with collagen base cream on the reduction of the healing time and necrotic tissue amount and increasing the granulation, epithelialization, and decreasing the necrotic tissue/slough was greater when compared to application of 1% SSD cream. Considering the above findings nanocrystalline silver with collagen base cream is more recommended to be used for burn wounds.

SYNTHESIS AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Silver is exploited for the benefit of mankind from past centuries. Silver has been proved to be much more powerful when compared to other metallic nanoparticles, not only bactericidal properties but it is also effective against eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses. Creation of Ag Nanoparticles has increased the silver efficacy many folds due to their physical and chemical properties, especially the surface area to volume ratio is most important imparting the antibacterial activity over various microorganisms. To lessen bacterial infections in incurable wounds nanocrystalline silver dressings, creams, gels are formulated. However, several problems are associated with the use. Silver nanoparticle toxicity is a major threat associated with their use and the inhibition of beneficiary microorganisms due to lack of specificity of silver nanoparticles is environmentalist’s concern. To reduce the threats associated, there should be a careful assessment of the silver nanoparticles release into the environment and should be regulated. It has to be noted that novel methods to produce silver nanoparticles which reduce the toxicity and other associated threats has to be developed in the future to exploit the vast capabilities of the silver nanoparticles for the benefit of mankind. As technology advancement is always in demand with changing environmental conditions, the present review will focus on the synthesis and antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles along with its environmental impact. Key Words: Silver nanoparticles ∙ Antibacterial Activity ∙ Microorganisms ∙ Environmental Impact

Film dressings from Thai mango seed kernel extracts versus nanocrystalline silver dressings in antibacterial properties.

Introduction: The extract from the Mango Seed Kernel (MSK) has been documented to exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This suggests that biomaterials containing MSK extract could be a viable alternative to conventional wound treatments, such as nanocrystalline silver dressings. Despite this potential, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding comparing the antibacterial effectiveness of MSK film dressings with nanocrystalline silver dressings. This study aimed to develop film dressings containing MSK extract and evaluate their antibacterial properties compared to nanocrystalline silver dressings. Additionally, the study aimed to assess other vital physical properties of these dressings critical for effective wound care. Materials and methods: We prepared MSK film dressings from two cultivars of mango from Thailand, 'Chokanan' and 'Namdokmai'. The inhibition-zone method was employed to determine the antibacterial property. The morphology and chemical characterization of the prepared MSK film dressings were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The absorption of pseudo-wound exudate and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of film dressings were evaluated. Results: The results showed that 40% of MSKC film dressing had the highest inhibition zone (20.00 ± 0.00mm against S. aureus and 17.00 ± 1.00mm against P. aeruginosa) and 20%, 30%, and 40% of MSKC and MSKN film dressings had inhibition zones similar to nanocrystalline silver dressing for both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (p > 0.05). In addition, all concentrations of the MSK film dressings had low absorption capacity, and Chokanan MSK (MSKC) film dressings had a higher WVTR than Namdokmai MSK (MSKN) film dressings. Conclusion: 20%, 30%, and 40% of MSK film dressing is nearly as effective as nanocrystalline silver dressing. Therefore, it has the potential to be an alternative antibacterial dressing and is suitable for wounds with low exudate levels.

Effects of composition and pH on the degradation of hyaluronate and carboxymethyl cellulose gels and release of nanocrystalline silver.

Adhesions are fibrous tissue connections which are a common complication of surgical procedures and may be prevented by protecting tissue surfaces and reducing inflammation. The combination of biodegradable polymers and nanocrystalline silver can be used to create an anti-inflammatory gel to be applied during surgery. In this study, sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose were added in concentrations from 0.25% to 1% w/v to aqueous nanocrystalline silver solutions to create viscous gels. Gels were loaded into dialysis cassettes and placed in PBS for 3 days. pH was adjusted using potassium phosphate monobasic and sodium hydroxide. Release of silver into the PBS was measured at several time points. Polymer degradation was compared by measuring the viscosity of the gels before and after the experiment. Gels lost up to 84% of initial viscosity over 3 days and released between 24% and 41% of the added silver. Gels with higher initial viscosity did not have a greater degree of degradation, as measured by percent viscosity reduction, but still resulted in a higher final viscosity. Silver release was not significantly impacted by pH or composition, but still varied between experimental groups.

Technologies used in the treatment of burn victims in intensive care: a scope review.

to analyze the technologies used by the nursing team in the treatment of skin lesions caused by burns in patients under intensive care. this is a scope review conducted on the LILACS, Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL databases without temporal or language restrictions. the highlighted technologies included the use of specialized dressings, biological agents such as probiotics and cyanobacteria, as well as negative pressure therapies and enzymes such as papain and collagenase. Some technologies, such as nanocrystalline silver, demonstrated efficacy in infection control. the study identified essential technologies in burn care, emphasizing the need for further research on "soft" technologies. The findings support the promotion of evidence-based nursing care for burn patients in intensive care and enhance knowledge about effective treatments.

Herbal Emulgel Containing Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Nigella Sativa L. (Black Cumin) Oils in Wound Management: Preclinical Investigations

Abstract Context: In wound management, traditional use of plants has received attention by the scientific community, as traditional medicines are a valuable source of affordable, comprehensive medical care. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) and Nigella sativa Linn (Black cumin) are well known versatile medicinal plants with wide spectrum of biological activity. Methods: This study was undertaken to evaluate the wound healing activity of neem oil (NO) and black cumin oil (BCO) in rats. The oils were standardized using standard procedures. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis and high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting of oils were carried out to identify major phytoconstituents present in the oils. The oils were suitably incorporated in carbopol based emulgel formulation, evaluated for physicochemical parameters and stability. Results: The wound healing potential assessed by the measurement of wound contraction and histopathology studies in excision and burn wound models, demonstrated comparable efficacy with standard nano crystalline silver gel (0.002% w/w). This may be attributed to the presence of phytoconstituents such as nimbidin and thymoquinone present in selected oils. Polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of BCO may be responsible for stimulating the release of vascular endothelial growth factor, which plays a significant role in accelerating wound healing process. Conclusion: Topical carbopol 934 base emulgel containing natural oils such as BCO and NO have been successfully prepared for wound management. However, further studies to establish the mechanistic aspects of wound healing needs to be undertaken.

Formation Kinetics and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticle Dispersions Based on N-Reacetylated Oligochitosan Solutions for Biomedical Applications.

The paper presents the results of the synthesis, a detailed kinetics study, and an investigation of the biological activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in aqueous solutions of N-reacetylated oligochitosan hydrochloride. UV-visible spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering were employed to control silver ion reduction. The process was observed to follow a pseudo-first-order law. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that AgNPs ranging in size from 10 to 25 nm formed aggregates measuring 60 to 90 nm, with the aggregate surface coated by a 2-4 nm chitosan shell. X-ray microanalysis and powder X-ray diffractometry were used to study the phase composition, identifying two crystalline phases, nanocrystalline silver and AgCl, present in the dispersions. The antibacterial effect was assessed using the serial dilution method for dispersions with varying degrees of Ag+ conversion. Nanodispersions exhibited significant activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, the activity did not appear to be heavily influenced by the presence of the AgCl phase or the concentration of Ag+ ions. These synthesized dispersions hold promise for the development of materials tailored for biomedical applications.

Silk fibroin-based green colloidal silver nanoparticle synthesis and their antibacterial and anticancer properties

Aqueous silk fibroin (SF), derived from Bombyx mori silk, was used to synthesize colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in situ under white light and at ambient temperature. A characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 425–435 nm from the UV–Vis spectrum provided evidence of the formation of AgNPs by UV–Visible spectroscopy. The nanoparticles that were synthesized were spherical with smooth surfaces, as evidenced by the transmission electron microscope (TEM) photographs. The size of the particles was between 35 and 40 nm. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation supports the existence of silver's nanocrystalline phase with FCC crystal structure. The human bacterial pathogens Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) were significantly inhibited by the biogenic silver nanoparticles' antibacterial activity. The synthesized nanoparticles also show an excellent anti-cancer activity in lowest dosage.

Nanocrystalline Silver Layer of Knitted Polyester Outperforms Other Silver-Containing Wound Dressings in an In Vitro Wound Model.

Background Silver possesses cytotoxic properties against many microorganisms and is regularly used in wound care. Current evidence supporting the use of one type of silver-containing wound dressing (SCWD) is insufficient. Materials and methods To examine the ability of selected SCWDs to inhibit the growth of two strains of bacteria (Escherichiacoli and Staphylococcus aureus) commonly found in wounds, an in vitro wound model was used.Bacteria were applied to the surface of nutrient agar, and a piece of each SCWD was applied to the bacteria.The plates were incubated at 37°C overnight. The zone of inhibition (ZI) around each SCWD was measured in cm2. Results The mean ZI for Acticoat Flex-3 on E. coli was 1.59 ± 0.15 cm2, which was significantly greater than that observed for Aquacel Ag (p<0.001), Mepilex Ag (p<0.0001), Mepitel Ag (p<0.001), Optifoam (p<0.0001), and Tegaderm Alginate Ag (p<0.01), but statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag. The mean ZI on S. aureus was 1.21 ± 0.16 cm2, which was greater than Aquacel Ag (p<0.05), Mepilex (p<0.0001), Optifoam (p<0.0001), and Tegaderm Alginate Ag (p<0.05), but statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag or Mepitel Ag. Conclusion Of the SCWDs tested, Acticoat Flex-3 demonstrated the most robust antimicrobial effect.Herein, we show that Acticoat Flex-3 may provide the most wound protection against bacterial infection. In conclusion, these data provide clinicians with additional independent evidence to inform their clinical practice on the use of specific wound dressings.

Nanocrystalline silver for the treatment of otitis externa

Nanocrystalline silver for the treatment of otitis externa

Anti–oxidant and anti-inflammation activities of nanostructured assemblies of silver sulfide nanoparticles using an extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves

Silver sulfide nanoparticles have gained applications in industrial areas due to their tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties. Among various nanoparticles silver sulfide nanoparticles have gained worldwide attention due to their assessment as an anti-microbial agent. The microstructure of nanostructured silver sulfide nanoparticles determine its electronic, structural, optical and electrical properties, and possible applications of silver sulfide nanoparticles in modern electronics, biology and medicine. The appearance of nonstoichiometry in silver sub-lattices of monoclinic silver sulfide at decreasing size particles to the nanometer scale is considered. The interdependent changes in non-stoichiometry and crystal structure at the transformation of a non- conducting nano crystalline silver sulfide in super-ionic conductors are also very important aspects in biosynthesis of Silver sulfide nanoparticles. The effect of nano crystalline state on the peculiarities of crystal structure, non-stoichiometry, optical and thermal properties of bio synthesized Silver sulfide nanoparticles are explained. Silver sulfide nanoparticle have provide a significant role in the biomedical field for various application- oriented products such as IR cameras, solar panels, optical fiber and filters. Among modern biomedical potential of silver sulfide nanoparticles tremendous interest is oriented towards the therapeutically enhanced personalized health care practices. The biosynthesized silver sulfide nanoparticle using aqueous extract of Cinnamomum leaves has been documented in our present research work. The presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoid, tannins, steroid, cardiac glycosides, and alkaloids was confirmed by phytochemical analyses of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves and these secondary metabolites can be used as reducing stabilizing and capping agent. After three months, the biosynthesized Silver sulfide nanoparticles were found to be stable without the evidence of agglomeration at room temperature. Structural and morphological properties of Silver sulfide nanoparticles were analyzed by UV-VIS, FT-IR, XRD, EDX, TEM, and SEM spectroscopic techniques. The surface Plasmon resonance for Silver sulfide nanoparticles was obtained around 290nm. Biosynthesized Silver sulfide nanoparticles was spherical in shape with effective diameter size of 50nm.Our novel approach provides a promising and effective method to large scale synthesis of eco-friendly, and cost effective pharmacologically active silver sulfide nano particles.

Nanocrystalline Silver for the Treatment of Otomycosis: A Retrospective Study.

Otomycosis is a common fungal ear infection usually found in tropical and subtropical countries where infections arise due to hot and humid conditions. Also, these infections have a high recurrence rate with limited therapeutic options, which makes their management difficult. There is a long history of applying various antiseptic agents consisting of silver specifically for these broad-spectrum infections. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are futuristic nano-size products for controlling the microbial infection. The study aimed to determine the antifungal properties of nanocrystalline silver in patients with otomycosis. The study was conducted in Pune (India) in the department of Ear Nose Throat & Head at the Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and research center, Pune (India) for a period of one year (2019 -2020). Our study included 100 patients (58 male and 42 female) with clinically diagnosed otomycosis, which was treated by applying nanocrystalline silver gel-soaked Gelfoam. Our study had patients of 18 to 60 years, with the highest prevalence in males (58%) aged 30 to 45 years. A large number of infection cases were reported at the hospital, i.e., 62 cases during the wet season as compared to 38 cases during the dry season. Commonly found fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus (55%), followed by Candida (45%). Improvements in symptoms were observed in 89% of the patients (70% within 5 to 6 days and 19% from 7 to 14 days). Applying nanocrystalline silver cured most of the patients (89%) within 14 days. Treating otomycosis patients with nanocrystalline silver demonstrated beneficial results. Further studies with larger samples should be conducted to validate the benefits of nanocrystalline silver.

Treatment of infection and inflammation associated with COVID-19, multi-drug resistant pneumonia and fungal sinusitis by nebulizing a nanosilver solution

Solutions containing Ag0 nanoclusters, Ag+1, and higher oxidation state silver, generated from nanocrystalline silver dressings, were anti-inflammatory against porcine skin inflammation. The dressings have clinically-demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, suggesting application of nanosilver solutions in treating pulmonary infection.Nanosilver solutions were tested for antimicrobial efficacy; against HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2; and nebulized in rats with acute pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia (ventilated), fungal sinusitis, burns plus COVID-19, and two non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 received nebulized nanosilver solution.Nanosilver solutions demonstrated pH-dependent antimicrobial efficacy; reduced infection and inflammation without evidence of lung toxicity in the rat model; and inactivated HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Pneumonia patients had rapidly reduced pulmonary symptoms, recovering pre-illness respiratory function. Fungal sinusitis-related inflammation decreased immediately with infection clearance within 21 days. Non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 experienced rapid symptom remission.Nanosilver solutions, due to anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activity, may be effective for treating respiratory inflammation and infections caused by viruses and/or microbes.

Nanostructured Silver Films with a Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion as a Promising Material for Nanoelectronics

The results of a study of the thermal expansion of thin silver films obtained by thermal vacuum evaporation are presented. It is shown that, after single heating, the films consist of two types of crystallites. The nanosized fraction, for which the main area of the film is accounted, is represented by crystallites with a size of 50–60 nm. In addition to them, separate grains of hundreds of nanometers in size are observed in the samples, many of which are formed during the condensation process. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion of nanocrystalline films which is only 7 × 10−6 K−1 is determined by electron diffraction using the method of measurement standard. This is significantly lower than the value which is typical for bulk samples. The decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion is explained by the nanocrystalline nature of the films. The closeness of the obtained value to the coefficient of thermal expansion of silicon and germanium allows us to consider the use of nanocrystalline silver films as an effective way to improve the reliability and efficiency of modern and prospective microelectronics.

Biosynthesis of nanocrystalline silver chloride with high antibacterial activity using bacterial extracts

The traditional synthesis of nano silver chloride involves chemical precipitation or physical methods. Due to the hazardous substances generated during the synthesis, it can cause environmental pollution. In this study, a green and facile method is described to biosynthesize nano-silver chloride with excellent antibacterial activity via in situ reduction of Ag + using the extract of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Compared with previous reports, the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli (E. coli) is 3.0 μg/mL, which is 2– to 800-fold higher than that of nano silver chloride. Subsequent in vitro studies involving agricultural bacteria such as Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum) revealed a 92.95% antibacterial rate when the concentration of nano-silver chloride was 2.0 μg/mL. Previous studies of antibacterial activity of nano-silver chloride focused more on the basic antibacterial properties without describing its antibacterial molecular mechanisms. The microscopic investigations and DNA damage experiments indicated that the nano-silver chloride adsorbed to the bacterial surface, leading to cell wall rupture, DNA damage, and cytoplasmic leakage. In addition, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy indicated the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (·OH, ·O2− and 1O2) in the bacteria. Our study provides evidence supporting the use of nano-silver chloride as an antibacterial agent in agriculture, and theoretical insight into the antibacterial mechanism thereof.

Structure and chemical composition of thin-film nanocomposites based on silver in organosilicon amorphous matrix prepared by High Target Utilization Sputtering

Thin films based on Ag nanoclusters embedded in an organosilicon polymer matrix were deposited using the High Target Utilization Sputtering technique (HiTUS) by simultaneous sputtering of the Ag target and polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapors in radiofrequency plasma. The influence of deposition parameters on chemical composition and structure of the deposited nanocomposite films was studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analytical techniques. The films under investigation exhibit a dense uniform structure with the metallic nanocrystalline silver present in the form of spherical-shaped nanoclusters with dimensions below 10 nm embedded in an amorphous organosilicon plasma polymer. The average size of Ag nanoclusters is increased from 1.8 to 4.4 nm with Ag content increasing from 16 to 57%at. while concentration of nanoclusters is reduced. Incorporation of the metallic silver into the plasma polymerized HMDSO leads to a decrease of carbon and oxygen content as well as a decrease of organosilicon polymer matrix density.

Impact of negative pressure wound therapy and nanocrystalline silver dressings on the quality of life of patients with chronic non-healing ulcers: a preliminary study

Therapeutic measures should be primarily directed to promote healing, but also to improve or at least to maintain HRQoL. This prospective randomized pilot study was conducted to assess the impact on HRQoL of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) combined with nanocrystalline silver dressings in outpatients with chronic nonhealing ulcers. A total of 17 patients were included in the study, 10 of which were treated with the combined method and 7 with NPWT only. Patients were followed for 6 weeks. The 36-item short-form (SF-36) questionnaire was administered to at baseline and at the end of treatment. Patients included in the study had multiple concomitant pathological conditions and a mean age of 70 years. Significant changes in different domains of the SF-36 questionnaire, including physical functioning, role limitations (physical), vitality, mental health, social functioning, bodily pain, and general health, before and after treatment were not found. The mean (standard deviation, SD) score of social functioning was 53.1 (31.8) before treatment and 66.3 (23.6) after treatment (P = 0.09). The application of NPWT with nanocrystalline silver dressings or NPWT alone for 6 weeks was effective in wound healing promotion. The impact on HRQoL was non-significant except for somewhat better benefits in the social domain in patients treated with NPWT and silver dressings. The present preliminary data could be the basis for the design of future, more robust clinical studies.

Assessment of wound healing using Nano-crystalline silver membrane placed following periodontal flap surgery

Background: Nanomaterials are widely explored in Periodontics, as well as controlled drug release in forms of hollow spheres, core-shell, nanotubes and other active components. The present study was conducted to assess wound healing using Nano-crystalline silver membrane placed following periodontal flap surgery. Materials &amp; Methods: 60 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis of both genders were divided into 2 groups of 30 each. Group I received a nano-crystalline silver dressing and group II received non-eugenol dressing. Flap surgery in each patient was carried out. Parameters such as wound healing index, microbiological analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were recorded at the 7th and 14th day postoperatively. Results: Patients in group I received a nano-crystalline silver dressing and in group II, non-eugenol dressing. Group I had 14 males and 16 females and group II had 12 males and 18 females. The mean healing index on 7th day was 3.75 and 2.28 in group I and II and 4.12 and 3.14 in in group I and II on 14th day respectively. The difference was significant (P&lt; 0.05). CFU/ml (X106) pre- operatively and post- operatively was 3.4 and 1.6 and 1.5 and 1.8 in group I and II respectively.