Hydrogels incorporated with silver nanocolloids prepared from antioxidant rich Aerva javanica as disruptive agents against burn wound infections

Abstract Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections in thermally injured patients have led to intrusive disease causing mortality. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employed in treatment have limitations owing to their oxidative damage and toxicity in tissues. Present study focuses on the synthesis of biocompatible AgNPs from antioxidant-rich aqueous extract of Aerva javanica . Capping of phenols on AgNPs surface was confirmed through FTIR analysis and hence spherically assembled particles of low polydispersity index exhibited Surface Plasmon Resonance at 430 nm. These assembled antibacterial AgNPs were assessed for their radical scavenging properties and cytotoxic potential on both primary (HCEC) and cancerous cell lines (Huh-7, HeLa). Potential agglomeration of intraperitoneally administered AgNPs (3–24 mg kg −1 ) in liver, spleen and kidney of balb/c mice was assessed through histological analysis and corresponding mortality and weight loss studies were evaluated. These AgNPs after incorporation in chitosan hydrogels were topically applied on partial thickness burn wound infections (2 × 10 8 CFUs of MRSA and PA) created in Balb/c mice. A significant reduction in the infection was observed with application of AgNPs incorporated hydrogels that improved the healing time.