Antibacterial and wound healing activities of silver nanoparticles embedded in cellulose compared to other polysaccharides and protein polymers

The aggregation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in colloidal solution and the oxidative cytotoxicity towards human cells are two major hindrances for their thriving medicinal applications. Their incorporation natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, alginate, collagen, gelatin, silk fibroin, carrageenan, curdlan, hyaluronic acid, keratin starch may be an alluring alternative strategy to sidestep these complications attain advantageous wound dressings. Biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, inherent therapeutic properties known polymers, would accelerate healing infected chronic wounds. However, low thermal stability, mechanical strength, rapid biodegradation, weak washing resistance some limitations polymers. Herein, recent advances, present challenges, future perspectives AgNPs-incorporated nanocomposites (NCs) discussed realize ideal antibacterial activities by exploiting abundant biopolymers.