Production and Characterization of Biodegradable Wound Dressings Containing Silver-Loaded Zeolite Complexes

Abstract

Silver-loaded zeolite complexes (ZeAg) were incorporated into biodegradable wound dressings based on starch and brewers’ spent grain. Four formulations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2% (w/v) of ZeAg) of wound dressings containing ZeAg were produced by thermopressing, and their morphology and structural and mechanical properties were evaluated. The dressings showed a rough and porous surface structure, and no significant differences were observed in the thickness, density, solubility, or water vapor permeability of the samples. The dressing with the lowest concentration of ZeAg (0.5%) demonstrated enhanced water absorption, while the sample with the highest concentration (2.0%) showed improved mechanical properties, including greater tensile strength, elongation at break, and elastic modulus. According to these findings, incorporating ZeAg complexes into starch-based wound dressings can improve their functional properties, which makes them promising candidates for advanced wound care applications.