Optimized Photo‐Crosslinked Pectin Nanocomposite Hydrogel Incorporating Chitosan‐Capped Silver Nanoparticles for Multifunctional Wound Healing

This study aimed to design and optimize a photo-crosslinked nanocomposite hydrogel for enhanced wound healing. The hydrogel was composed of pectin methacrylate (PAM) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and incorporates chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs). PAM was synthesized by coupling pectin with 2-aminoethyl methacrylate (2-AM). Hydrogels were fabricated via photopolymerization, and their components were optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design to achieve desirable gelling time, water absorption, content, and erosion. CS-AgNPs were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method and incorporated into the optimized hydrogel. Biocompatibility was evaluated using a fibroblast cell line, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was assessed. PAM was successfully synthesized with a 36.05% degree of substitution. The optimal formulation (PAM:PEGDA:LAP = 60:60:0.389) gelled within 2 min and demonstrated 85%-88% water content, high water absorption, with low erosion percentage. The synthesized CS-AgNPs imparted the hydrogel with potent antimicrobial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli. The hydrogel demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, significantly enhancing fibroblast proliferation and migration. This novel, systematically optimized nanocomposite hydrogel offered a promising multifunctional platform for combating bacterial infections and accelerating wound healing. Its balanced physical properties and potent biological activity present significant potential for clinical application in wound management.