Concentration-Dependent Effects of MXene Nanocomposite-Loaded Carboxymethyl Cellulose on Wound Healing

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising solution for many biomedical applications. Although not all particles have antimicrobial or regenerative properties, certain NPs show promise in enhancing wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. Integrating various NPs can further enhance these effects. Herein, the zinc oxide (ZnO)-MXene-Ag nanocomposite was prepared, and the conjugation of its three components was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping analysis. In vitro analysis using the agar well diffusion technique demonstrated that ZnO-MXene-Ag nanocomposite exhibited high antimicrobial efficacy, significantly inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Candida albicans, and showing enhanced potency when combined with tetracycline, resulting in a 2.6-fold increase against Staphylococcus and a 2.4-fold increase against Pseudomonas. The efficacy of nanocomposite-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gel on wound healing was investigated using varying concentrations (0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL). Wound healing was monitored over 21 days, with results indicating that wounds treated with 1 mg/mL ZnO-MXene-Ag gel exhibited superior healing compared to the control group (0 mg/mL), with significant improvements noted from Day 3 onward. Conversely, higher concentrations (10 mg/mL) resulted in reduced healing efficiency, particularly notable on Day 15. In conclusion, the ZnO-MXene-Ag nanocomposite-loaded CMC gel is a promising agent for enhanced wound healing and antimicrobial applications. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing NP concentration to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential cytotoxicity.