Aloe vera-driven green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: a facile approach for superior antibacterial activity and enhanced wound-healing

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms pose significant challenges to wound-healing, and to achieve successful wound-healing, it is imperative to develop strategies to prevent and eliminate these biofilms. This study aims to explore the potential of using Aloe vera extract for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and to evaluate their antibacterial properties and effectiveness in wound-healing. AgNPs were synthesized hydrothermally, employing Aloe vera as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The antibacterial activity of these AgNPs was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using zone inhibition and MTT assays. The wound-healing capabilities were assessed through a scratch assay on fibroblast cells. Results indicated that the AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity, increasing effectiveness with higher concentrations of Aloe vera used in synthesis. AgNPs were characterized via UV–VIS spectroscopy, SEM, and DLS, showing spherical shapes ranging from 255.5 ± 5.02 nm to 749.47 ± 24.12 nm, decreasing with increasing Aloe vera concentration. Biocompatibility assessments on L929 cells showed low cytotoxicity, with over 70% cell viability at 10 mg/mL. Wound-healing assays indicated faster closure due to enhanced cell migration and matrix deposition, likely due to the synergistic effects of AgNPs and Aloe vera's bioactive components. The findings of this study highlight the significant potential of these silver nanoparticles in wound-healing applications, owing to their potent antibacterial properties and ability to enhance the wound-healing process.