Antibacterial wound dressing with hydrogel from chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol from the red cabbage extract loaded with silver nanoparticles

Abstract The aim of the present study was the synthesis of hydrogel incorporated with chitosan blend with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) from red cabbage Brassica oleracea and its application in wound healing and antibacterial activity. The chitosan/PVA hydrogel was synthesized by the combination of chitosan and PVA treated with acetic acid. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the B. oleracea extract and its antibacterial efficacy was examined. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using UV-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The synthesized NPs were purified and combined with the hydrogel. This combined hydrogel and AgNP mixture was then subjected to Fourier transform infrared analysis, and the results were observed to conclude the effectiveness of the hydrogel. This hydrogel would differ in the part of dressing the wound, that is it can last on the wound for a longer period, thus reducing the pain and frequency of dressing and in turn naturally healing the wound in less time.