Formulation and properties of antibacterial hydrogels using cellulose infused with silver ions

This research marks a significant advancement in the creation of cellulose-based hydrogels, enhanced with silver ions, aimed at addressing key challenges in biomedical applications. The study chose Napier grass as the source of cellulose due to its high cellulose concentration and environmental benefits. The process of extracting cellulose involved alkaline and bleaching treatments. A unique aspect of this study was the fabrication of hydrogels using a novel physical crosslinking process that included 5% glycine in 2M NaOH, selected for its non-covalent bond formation and impact on the hydrogels' mechanical stability. Silver ions were incorporated using a 3% silver nitrate solution, carefully balancing antibacterial effectiveness and cytocompatibility. The resulting hydrogels demonstrated considerable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities, the latter evaluated through protein denaturation inhibition tests, suggesting their potential use in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Analysis techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy and SEM were employed to understand the structural and functional characteristics of the hydrogels. Interestingly, EDS analysis revealed the presence of silicon, indicating areas for further investigation. While the outcomes were encouraging, the study identified challenges like achieving even distribution of silver ions and the need for thorough cytocompatibility testing. This work offers new perspectives in hydrogel development, especially in using sustainable materials like Napier grass and incorporating functional elements such as glycine and silver ions. Future research directions include exploring different cellulose sources, refining hydrogel formulations, and conducting comprehensive biocompatibility and,biodegradability tests, which could significantly expand the use of these materials in biomedical applications.