An alginate-PHMB-AgNPs based wound dressing polyamide nanocomposite with improved antibacterial and hemostatic properties

Wound dressing should be impenetrable against microorganisms and it should keep the wound wet. Gauze and polyamide (PA) substrate were treated with various concentrations of AgNPs (25, 50, 75, and 100ppm), PHMB (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% w/v), and constant concentration of alginate (0.5% W/V) using a simple dipping method. Prepared samples were characterized by various techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the particles were successfully applied onto both substrates with an average diameter of particle size of 78nm on gauze and 172nm on the PA substrate surface (based on 50 nanoparticles). Antibacterial activity of the prepared nanocomposite against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) bacteria on PA substrate and gauze were evaluated using the disc diffusion method. The results indicated that the prepared nanocomposites offer favorable antibacterial properties and bacteria would not grow in culture media. The water uptake capacity test of the treated samples was assessed and the data demonstrated that the water absorption rate significantly increases on both treated substrates (gauze and PA substrate) due to the presence of alginate polymer. Also, observing the results of the coagulation test showed that treated samples caused blood clots on the dressing. This is due to the presence of alginate polymer. The present work demonstrates that the prepared samples offer excellent antibacterial properties and good water uptake capacity that capable of being a potential candidate for wound dressings. Due to the results, the produced PA substrate could be an appropriate replacement for the cotton gauze as a wound dressing.