Interaction of silver nanoparticle and commonly used anti-inflammatory drug within a poly(amino acid) derivative fibrous mesh

In recent decades, wound dressings have evolved from the simple gauze to sophisticated, carefully designed functional materials which can enhance wound healing and eliminate bacterial infections endangering the wounded area. With an increasing number of multidrug-resistant strains, bacterial overgrowth of the injured area poses a serious risk that can lead to severe conditions. Nanoparticles can exhibit remarkable antibacterial properties thus incorporating them into biocompatible matrices, effective antibacterial wound dressings can be fabricated. Utilizing electrospinning, nanoparticles could be easily incorporated into fibrous polymer meshes. Next to nanoparticles, electrospinning allows the simultaneous encapsulation of small molecules as well, resulting in complex nanocomposite meshes exhibiting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic properties. In the manuscript, we present a one-pot method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in the presence of polysuccinimide (PSI) and a small molecule drug (paracetamol), followed by the fabrication of an antibacterial wound dressing system. Thorough characterization of both the AgNP-containing colloidal system and the meshes were performed. Results reveal the stabilizing effect of PSI and paracetamol enhancing the formation of a monodisperse colloidal system. Mechanical studies confirm the reinforcing effect of silver-nanoparticles, and antibacterial evaluation proves the applicability of the meshes. Drug-release measurement shows prolonged three-step release kinetics. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.