ZnO Nanoparticles Impregnated Starch/PVA Biocompatible Composite Hydrogel- An Advanced Wound Care Product

In this study, an antimicrobial hydrogel membrane containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was formulated by crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with starch using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent and glycerin as a plasticizer. Direct precipitation method was followed/used for the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles from zinc nitrate Zn(NO
3
)
2
and ammonium carbonate (NH4)
2
CO
3
. ZnO NPs offer strong wound healing potential due to their well-known antibacterial activities. PVA/starch hydrogel can provide a biocompatible and biodegradable system. Synthesized ZnO NPs and hydrogel membrane were characterized through FTIR, UV-Visible spectroscopies, FESEM along with determining physical properties. Antimicrobial activities (disc diffusion method) were evaluated. Antibacterial wound dressings made of PVA/ Starch are expected to play an important role in wound healing and infection management.