Multifunctional Wound Dressings: Nanoparticles loaded Biodegradable Film as a Promising Solution for Wound Management and Infection Control

Hemdan, Bahaa; A. El-Kholy, Samar; Shalaby, E.S.; Abd-Al-Aleem, A.H.; M. Elaraby, Nesma; Aysha, Tarek; Elnaggar, Mehrez

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.371450.11522

Multifunctional Wound Dressings: Nanoparticles loaded Biodegradable Film as a Promising Solution for Wound Management and Infection Control

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

¹ Environmental Microbiology Lab., Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt.

² Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El Koom 32511, Egypt

³ Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics & Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St., P.O. 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

⁴ Dyeing, Printing and Textile Auxiliaries Department, Textile Research and Technology Institute, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Giza, P.O. 12622, Egypt.

⁵ Pre-Treatment and Finishing of Cellulosic Fabric Department, Textile Research and Technology Institute, National Research Centre, 33 EL-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt

10.21608/ejchem.2025.371450.11522

Abstract

Chronic wounds, often complicated by bacterial infections, diabetes, and oxidative stress, present a significant healthcare burden globally. Traditional wound care methods frequently fall short in addressing the multifactorial nature of these wounds. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced multifunctional nanocomposite wound dressings that offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This review focuses on silver-zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag-ZnONPs) incorporated into gelatin-based polymeric films. Ag-ZnONPs exhibit synergistic wound healing potential, in which, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) disrupt bacterial membranes and DNA integrity. In contrast, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) promote reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated angiogenesis, fibroblast activation, and modulation of inflammation. Gelatin (Gel), a natural, biodegradable polymer, is an ideal carrier for controlled nanoparticle release and mimics the extracellular matrix, enhancing cellular adhesion and proliferation. The review discusses the phases of wound healing, the limitations of conventional dressings, and the role of Ag-ZnONPs loaded Gel film (Ag-ZnONPs@Gel) in overcoming these challenges. Furthermore, it explores current nanoparticle synthesis strategies, especially green synthesis approaches, and their relevance to biomedical safety. Emerging wound assessment technologies, including bioelectrical impedance, imaging, and biomarker analysis, are also addressed. Integrating nanoparticles (NPs) with polymeric matrices represents a promising direction in developing next-generation wound dressings capable of promoting tissue regeneration, controlling infection, and improving patient outcomes in chronic wound care.

Keywords