Biocompatibility and Wound Healing Potential of a ZnO-Chitosan Nanocomposite-Functionalized Saffron/SA-PVA Hydrogel

Advanced wound dressings with excellent biocompatibility and regenerative potential are highly desirable for effective wound management. In this study, the biological performance of a previously developed ZnO-chitosan nanocomposite-functionalized saffron/sodium alginate–polyvinyl alcohol (PSS/ZnO NPs-Chsn) hydrogel was investigated. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogel was evaluated using the MTT assay on primary human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, while its wound healing capability was assessed through an in vivo excisional wound model. The PSS/ZnO NPs–Chsn hydrogel maintained high cell viability after ۷۲ h of incubation, confirming its acceptable biocompatibility. Furthermore, the hydrogel significantly enhanced wound closure compared with control groups, achieving ۹۴.۲۴% wound contraction after ۱۴ days of treatment. The improved healing response was attributed to the synergistic effects of ZnO NPs and Chsn, which provide antimicrobial protection, support cellular activity, and promote tissue regeneration. These findings demonstrate that the PSS/ZnO NPs-Chsn hydrogel possesses promising biological properties and may serve as an effective candidate for advanced wound dressing applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

ZnO-Chitosan nanocomposite ، Saffron-based hydrogel ، Cell viability ، Wound healing ، Fibroblast cells