Thymbra spicata-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in XG/p(HEMA)/aloe vera hydrogels: Characterization, drug release, and antibacterial properties

Hydrogel-based wound dressings hold significant potential due to their ability to provide moisture control, prevent wound desiccation, and exhibit antibacterial properties. In this study, XG/p(HEMA)/AV and XG/p(HEMA)/AV@Ag semi-IPN nanocomposite hydrogels were synthesized as antibacterial and drug-releasing hydrogel systems. AgNPs were synthesized in situ using Thymbra spicata L. (locally known as zahter) plant extract (TSE) as a green reducing and stabilizing agent. Drug release kinetics were investigated using trimethoprim (TMP), while antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. No distinct inhibition zone was observed for XG/p(HEMA)/AV, whereas inhibition zones of 11.31 and 27.52 mm against E. coli, and 12.12 and 27.28 mm against S. aureus were obtained TMP-free and TMP-loaded XG/p(HEMA)/AV@Ag hydrogels, respectively. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of the developed composite hydrogels as multifunctional materials combining antibacterial activity and controlled drug-release capability for further biomedical investigation.