Increased expression levels of PDGF and VEGF magnify the wound healing potential facilitated by biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Plant extract mediated biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has garnered considerable attention in nanotechnology due to its promising wound healing properties. This eco-friendly and cost-effective approach utilizes natural sources, such as the ethyl acetate extract of Nigella sativa L. (N. sativa) seeds, as a reducing agent. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized biogenically using N. sativa extract, and their wound healing potential was systematically assessed. Several methods for characterization are employed, incorporating ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were utilized to confirm successful synthesis and provide insight into the chemical and physical properties of AgNPs. When compared to a control group, human keratinocytes treated with AgNPs exhibited significantly enhanced proliferation and migration. Additionally, AgNPs were observed to increase the expression of wound-healing factors, (such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) as evidenced by western blot analysis. As a potent and naturally derived medicine for wound healing, AgNPs synthesized using N. sativa seed extract (ethyl acetate extract) potentially utilize the PDGF and VEGF signaling pathways to induce their therapeutic effects. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms and assess the long-term safety and efficacy of this environmentally friendly method for producing AgNPs, which demonstrate remarkable wound-healing capabilities.