Wheat gluten hydrolysates with embedded Ag-nanoparticles; a structure-function assessment for potential applications as wound sorbents with antimicrobial properties. (15th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sajjad, Anila; Zia, Muhammad; Xiao, Xiong; Olsson, Richard T.; Capezza, Antonio J.; Rasheed, Faiza
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 118(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-15
• Subjects: Wheat gluten hydrolysates -- Silver nanoparticles -- Wheat gluten films -- Wound healing -- Water absorption capacity; Wheat gluten hydrolysates (WGH) -- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) -- Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) -- Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) -- X-ray diffraction (XRD) -- Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) -- Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) -- Zone of inhibition (ZOI) -- Free Radical Scavenging Potential (FRSP) -- Least significant difference (LSD) -- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) -- 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107896
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: Numerous approaches have been used to prevent bacterial infection from injured skin, such as bandages and topical creams. However, the higher level of reactive oxygen species, bacterial infections, and excess wound exudates remain the major challenges for wound healing. In this study, we have tailored the structure of wheat gluten hydrolysates (WGH) as a continuous matrix by compositing it with a minimal amount of PVA, PVP, and PEG as polymer crosslinkers (0.5 wt%) to provide film structure integrity. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were impregnated into the WGH to develop a control release matrix of the AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractogram, and functional group patterns of WG and AgNPs indicate a successful integration of AgNPs into the wheat gluten matrix. The swelling capacity of the films was tested at acidic, neutral, and basic pH and was found to be highest in WG/PEG/Ag at pH 9 with 389%. The gradual release of Ag + /AgNPs from the films significantly scavenged free radicals and increased the antibacterial activity with up to a 12 mm inhibition zone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . According to these findings, WGH with AgNPs has been successfully cast in films with increased absorption capacity, free radicals scavenging, oxidant quenching, and antibacterial capabilities, along with the sustained release of silver ions. The results, therefore, show the potential of the developed films in biomedical applications such as wound dressing. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Wheat gluten silver nanocomposites (WG/Ag) were prepared as films using small amounts of PVP, PEG, and PVA as crosslinkers. The WG/Ag films show significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities with promising bacterial growth inhibitions. The WG/Ag sample prepared with PVA reveals a controlled release of the Ag + embedded in the WG matrix. WG/PEG/Ag films have improved water absorption capacity at pH 9, which is an important prerequisite in wound sorbents. The WG/Ag films show interesting properties for their exploration as bio-based sorbents in wound healing applications.