Green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles incorporated chitosan-alginate based nanobiopatch for enhanced antibacterial wound dressing applications

Abstract

Antibacterial wound dressings offer a promising strategy for treating chronic wounds by curbing infections, reducing inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, and retaining moisture, which collectively expedite tissue regeneration. Here, we report a green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) using Senna auriculata flower extract, subsequently integrated into a chitosan-alginate (Cs-Alg) biopolymer matrix via solvent casting method. The green synthesized CeO₂ NPs were extensively characterized using FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis, SEM, TEM, and EDX, establishing their functional groups, crystalline structure, and cerium and oxide elemental composition. Optimized Cs-Alg biopatches exhibited impressive tensile strength (5.65 ± 0.73 MPa), enabling further fabrication of the Cs-Alg-CeO₂ nanobiopatch. CeO₂ incorporation significantly enhanced tensile strength (7.14 ± 0.33 MPa), imparted additional stability (FTIR, XRD, TGA), and contributed a defined morphology (SEM). The nanobiopatch demonstrated a hydrophilic profile (contact angle ∼81.03°), high swelling capacity (78.33 ± 1.12 %), and controlled biodegradability (47.55 ± 1.28 % after 48 h), suitable for efficient exudate absorption, air permeability, and moisture balance. Critically, CeO₂ NPs endowed the patch with 79 % antioxidant activity and robust antibacterial action against S. aureus and E. coli. In vitro biocompatibility assays with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts confirmed over 109.7 % cell viability at 24 h, affirming safety across concentrations. This sustainable approach integrates bioactive CeO₂ within a Cs-Alg polymer matrix, presenting a potent, biodegradable wound dressing with enhanced mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial functionalities ideal for wound care management.