Coated Cotton Fabrics with Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Silica Nanoparticles for Improving Wound Healing.

Herein, we report the preparation of bifunctional silica nanoparticles by covalent attachment of both an anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) and an antibiotic (levofloxacin or norfloxacin) through amide groups. We also describe the coating of cotton fabrics with silica nanoparticles containing both ibuprofen and norfloxacin moieties linked by amide groups by using a one-step coating procedure under ultrasonic conditions. The functionalized nanoparticles and cotton fabrics have been characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The functionalized nanoparticles and textiles have been treated with model proteases for the in situ release of the drugs by the amide bond enzymatic cleavage. Topical dermal applications in medical bandages are expected, which favor wound healing.