Electrospun PVA based scaffolds engineered with bimetallic Ag-ZnO nanoparticles fabricated using Chromolaena odorata for wound healing applications

The utilization of plant extracts in combination with various nanomaterials for treating polymicrobial wound infections represents a novel approach in overcoming the problem of antimicrobial resistance through its multi-targeted mechanism of action. The present study investigates the potential of Chromolaena odorata plant extract for the green synthesis of AgZnO bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs). The nanoparticles obtained were characterized and the UV-Vis studies demonstrated peaks at 361 and 371 nm which were characteristic of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles while a size range of 5-15 nm was revealed in the HR TEM studies, and the presence of crystalline ZnO and surface decorated Ag nanoparticles was observed in the diffraction patterns. The BMNPs possessed antimicrobial effect with a MIC of 0.625 mg/mL and significant inhibition of biofilm formation. The MTT assay revealed high cell viability percentage of 99.07% suggesting low cytotoxicity. Additionally, the electrospun PVA fibers incorporated with the BMNPs were visualized in the FE SEM of the fibers and the collagen-coated fibers also showed considerable antibacterial activity, suggesting the potential of the developed scaffold to be used as a wound healing material.