Formulation of Chitosan Stabilized Silver Nanoparticle-Containing Wound Healing Film: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization.

A wound indicates a discontinuity in the epithelial integrity of the skin along with structural and functional disruption of the underlying normal tissue. The study focused on chitosan stabilized silver nanoparticles (CH-AgNP) further incorporated in a chitosan-based (CH-AgNP-CHF) film for wound healing. Dual advantages of chitosan as a wound-healing agent in addition to the antimicrobial property of CH-AgNP nanoparticles was explored. Based on preliminary trials, 1-2% w/v chitosan as film former, 15-25% w/v glycerin as plasticizer and Teflon as casting surface was selected. The optimized CH-AgNP-CHF had tensile strength 1.39 ± 0.009 N/mm, % Elongation 33.33 ± 1.634, 76.66 ± 0.584% degree of swelling, WVTR of 2024.43 ± 32.78 gm.m day and 1144.57 ± 13.45 gm.m day after 24 h and after 21 days respectively. The CH-AgNP-CHF reported highest % inhibition of 62.22 ± 0.91 against Escherichia coli as compared to chitosan solution, chitosan film and CH-AgNP solution. Based on in vivo animal study, CH-AgNP-CHF showed highest wound closure rate at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th and 21st day to indicate better and faster wound healing compared to marketed SilverKind® Nanofine gel, blank chitosan film and sterile gauze treated group (Control). Thus, CH-AgNP-CHF is more effective alternative for wound healing.