Wound-Healing Using Mycosynthesized Silver Nanogel

This blog describes the original research article entitled “Superior in vivo wound-healing activity of mycosynthesized silver nanogel on different wound models in rat” (https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.881404) published in Frontiers in Microbiology Journal in June 2022 issue.

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that the body initiates to repair damaged tissue. It involves a series of coordinated events, including inflammation, tissue regeneration, and tissue remodelling. Efficient wound healing is crucial for preventing infections, reducing scarring, and restoring normal tissue function.

In recent years, researchers have been exploring innovative ways to enhance the wound healing process, and one promising approach involves the use of nanotechnology. Specifically, the mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their incorporation into nanogels has emerged as a cutting-edge solution for promoting superior wound healing.

In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of mycosynthesized silver nanogels and their remarkable in vivo wound-healing activity, focusing on their effectiveness in various wound models in rats.

Understanding Mycosynthesized Silver Nanogels

Mycosynthesis is a green and sustainable method for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using various fungal species. This process harnesses the reducing potential of fungi to convert silver ions into highly stable and biocompatible NPs. The resulting AgNPs can be incorporated into nanogels, which are hydrogel-based nanomaterials known for their exceptional ability to deliver therapeutic agents to wound sites.

Advantages of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis via mycosynthesis:

1. Eco-friendly process: Mycosynthesis avoids the use of hazardous chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly approach.
2. High biocompatibility: Mycosynthesized AgNPs are inherently biocompatible, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
3. Small particle size: The NPs produced are typically in the nanometer range, allowing for improved penetration and bioavailability.
4. Antimicrobial properties: AgNPs possess potent antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections in wounds.

Wound Healing and Rat Models

To evaluate the wound-healing potential of mycosynthesized silver nanogels, researchers often turn to animal models, with rats being one of the most commonly used species. Rat models provide several advantages for wound healing studies, including their genetic similarity to humans, ease of handling, and well-established wound models.

Different wound models in rats can simulate various types of injuries, such as excisional wounds, burn wounds, and diabetic wounds. These models allow researchers to assess the efficacy of wound-healing agents under different pathological conditions, providing valuable insights into their therapeutic potential.

Superior Wound Healing with Mycosynthesized Silver Nanogels

Numerous studies have demonstrated the remarkable wound-healing activity of mycosynthesized silver nanogels in rat models. Here, we will explore some key findings that highlight their superior effectiveness:

1. Accelerated Wound Closure: Mycosynthesized silver nanogels have been shown to significantly accelerate the rate of wound closure in rat excisional wound models. The NPs promote cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, leading to faster healing.
2. Enhanced Collagen Deposition: Collagen is a vital component of the extracellular matrix that provides structural support to tissues. Mycosynthesized silver nanogels have been found to enhance collagen deposition in wounds, resulting in stronger and more organized tissue repair.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is a critical component of the wound healing process, but excessive inflammation can delay healing. Mycosynthesized silver nanogels exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, modulating the inflammatory response and promoting a balanced healing environment.
4. Infection Prevention: AgNPs have well-documented antimicrobial properties, making mycosynthesized silver nanogels effective in preventing wound infections in rat models. This is particularly valuable in diabetic and burn wound models, where infection risk is high.
5. Reduction in Scar Formation: Excessive scarring can be a significant concern in wound healing. Mycosynthesized silver nanogels have been shown to reduce scar formation by promoting the orderly deposition of collagen and preventing excessive fibrosis.
6. Angiogenesis Promotion: Adequate blood supply is crucial for wound healing. These nanogels have been found to promote angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which ensures a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the wound site.
7. Enhanced Epithelialization: Epithelialization is the process by which the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) regrows over a wound. Mycosynthesized silver nanogels facilitate this process, resulting in smoother and more complete wound closure.

Conclusion

The in vivo wound-healing activity of mycosynthesized silver nanogels in different wound models in rats is nothing short of impressive. These nanogels harness the unique properties of mycosynthesized AgNPs, including their small size, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and wound-regenerative capabilities. Through numerous studies, researchers have consistently observed superior wound healing outcomes when using mycosynthesized silver nanogels compared to traditional wound treatments.

As we continue to explore the potential of nanotechnology in the field of wound healing, mycosynthesized silver nanogels hold great promise for clinical applications. Their ability to accelerate wound closure, reduce scarring, prevent infections, and promote tissue regeneration makes them a valuable addition to the armamentarium of wound care therapies. While research in this area continues to advance, it is clear that mycosynthesized silver nanogels have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach wound management, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

Bibliography

• Gaikwad S, Birla S, Ingle AP, Gade A, Ingle P, Golińska P, Rai M. (2022). Superior in vivo wound-healing activity of mycosynthesized silver nanogel on different wound models in rat. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2;13:881404: org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.881404
• Hamed, M. I. N., and Sastry, T. P. (2011). Wound dressing application of chitosan based bioactive compounds. Int. J. Pharm. Life Sci. 2, 991–996
• Ahmed, A. H., Abdellatif, T. N. S., Al Rugaie, O., Alhumaydhi, F. A., and Mousa, A.M. (2022). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for enhancing wound healing activity in rats. Saudi Pharm. J. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.02.013
• Akbar, N., Gul, J., Siddiqui, R., Shah, M. R., and Khan, N. A. (2021). Moxifloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-based nanocarriers exhibit potent antibacterial activities. Antibiotics 10:964. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics10080964
• Alavi, M., and Rai, M. (2021). Antisense RNA, the modified CRISPR-Cas9, and metal/metal oxide nanoparticles to inactivate pathogenic bacteria. Cell. Mol. Biomed. Rep. 1, 52–59. doi: 10.55705/CMBR.2021.142436.1014
• Alavi, M., Rai, M., Martinez, F., Kahrizi, D., Khan, H., Rose Alencar de Menezes, I., et al. (2022). The efficiency of metal, metal oxide, and metalloid nanoparticles against cancer cells and bacterial pathogens: different mechanisms of action. Cell. Mol. Biomed. Rep. 2, 10–21. doi: 10.55705/CMBR.2022.147090.1023
• Alizadeh, S., Seyedalipour, B., Shafieyan, S., Kheime, A., Mohammadi, P., and Aghdami, N. (2019). Copper nanoparticles promote rapid wound healing in acute full thickness defect via acceleration of skin cell migration, proliferation, and neovascularization. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 517, 684–690. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.07.110
• Bhubhanil, S., Talodthaisong, C., Khongkow, M., Namdee, K., Wongchitrat, P., Yingmema, W., et al. (2021). Enhanced wound healing properties of guar gum/curcumin-stabilized silver nanoparticle hydrogels. Sci. Rep. 11:21836. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-01262-x
• Bhuvaneswari, T., Thiyagarajan, M., Geetha, N., and Venkatachalam, P. (2014). Bioactive compound loaded stable silver nanoparticle synthesis from microwave irradiated aqueous extracellular leaf extracts of Naringi crenulata and its wound healing activity in experimental rat model. Acta Trop. 135, 55–61. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.03.009
• Buffoni, F., Bancheli, G., Cambi, S., Ignesti, G., Irisind, R., and Raimondi, L.  (1993). Skin wound healing some biochemical parameters in guinea-pig. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 45, 784–790. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1993.tb05685.x
• Chinnasamy, G., Chandrasekharan, S., Koh, T. W., and Bhatnagar, S. (2021). Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and wound healing efficacy of silver nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica. Front. Microbiol. 12:611560. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.611560
• Chitturi, R. T., Balasubramaniam, A. M., Parameswar, R. A., Kesavan, G., Haris, K. T., and Mohideen, K. (2015). The role of myofibroblasts in wound healing, contraction and its clinical implications in cleft palate repair. J. Int. Oral Health 7, 75–80. doi: 10.4103/0975-7406.163456
• Cunha, C. S., Castro, P. J., Sousa, S. C., Pullar, R. C., Tobaldi, D. M., Piccirillo, C., et al. (2020). Films of chitosan and natural modified hydroxyapatite as effective UV-protecting, biocompatible and antibacterial wound dressings. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 159, 1177–1185. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.077
• Dakal, T. C., Kumar, A., Majumdar, R. S., and Yadav, V. (2016). Mechanistic basis of antimicrobial actions of silver nanoparticles. Front. Microbiol. 7:1831. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01831

Authors:

Vedant Sonar, Rujula Deoghare, Pranaya Pawar, Prapti Saraswat and Madhura Walwekar; B. Tech. Biotechnology, Third year