Electrospun PVA based scaffolds engineered with bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanoparticles fabricated using for wound healing applications.

The utilization of plant extracts in combination with various nanomaterials for treating polymicrobial wound infections represents a novel approach in overcoming the problem of antimicrobial resistance through its multi-targeted mechanism of action. The present study investigates the potential of plant extract for the green synthesis of AgZnO bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs). The nanoparticles obtained were characterized and the UV-Vis studies demonstrated peaks at 361 and 371 nm which were characteristic of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles while a size range of 5-15 nm was revealed in the HR TEM studies, and the presence of crystalline ZnO and surface decorated Ag nanoparticles was observed in the diffraction patterns. The BMNPs possessed antimicrobial effect with a MIC of 0.625 mg/mL and significant inhibition of biofilm formation. The MTT assay revealed high cell viability percentage of 99.07% suggesting low cytotoxicity. Additionally, the electrospun PVA fibers incorporated with the BMNPs were visualized in the FE SEM of the fibers and the collagen-coated fibers also showed considerable antibacterial activity, suggesting the potential of the developed scaffold to be used as a wound healing material.