Biodegradable multifunctional fabrication of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticle on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol flexible film for effective antibacterial potential and attenuation of human liver carcinoma cells.

Biopolymer-based drug delivery systems are increasingly attracting interest due to their excellent biocompatibility, non-toxic and cost-effectiveness. In this study, nanocomposite film was fabricated by silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag@ZnO) into chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) matrix. CS/PVA/Ag@ZnO nanocomposite film was confirmed through TEM, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy. This hydrophilic surface enabled the prolonged release of Ag ions (0.32 and 0.40 ppm) at physiological pH levels of 6.8 and 7.4. The antibacterial activity analysis showed 29 ± 0.09 mm, (P ≤ 0.05) against E. coli. K. pneumoniae showed 30 ± 1.2 mm (P ≤ 0.005). S. aureus and S. subtilis has 28 ± 0.5 mm (P ≤ 0.005) and 28 ± 1.2 mm (P ≤ 0.005) inhibition zone. Cytotoxicity analysis exhibited dose-dependent activity on HepG2 liver cancer cells low IC of 45.12 ± 0.009 μg/mL (P ≤ 0.0012) compared with non-targeted Ag@ZnO. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) flow cytometry has 47.20 % B3 values and high cell viability (98 ± 1.05 %, P ≤ 0.0018) of HEK293 cells, confirming its biocompatibility. The mechanical strength of 120 ± 1.35 MPa (P ≤ 0.001) ensures the film's durability and flexibility, making it suitable for anticancer therapy and supporting tissue regeneration in wound healing.