Bioactive Hydrogel Patch loaded with curcumin containing Silver Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antimicrobial activity

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Nisha Thakre, Gaurav Tiwari, Naveen Gupta, Dharmendra Rajput

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the current study was to formulate a hydrogel patch containing silver nanoparticles loaded with curcumin and evaluate its antimicrobial. The study explored the potential of curcumin-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance antimicrobial activity by incorporating these nanoparticles into a hydrogel patch formulation.


Methodology: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized through a reduction method using silver nitrate as the precursor, tri-sodium citrate as the stabilizing agent, and sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. The lyophilized nanoparticles were characterized using a zeta sizer, which revealed an average particle size of 54 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.2, and a zeta potential of -16 mV. Optimization of the nanoparticle formulation was based on AgNO₃ concentration, stirring time, and other factors. The optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of 54.3±1.2 nm, entrapment efficiency of 75.2±0.8%, and a drug content of 72.92±0.65%. The curcumin-loaded AgNPs were incorporated into a Carbopol-based hydrogel patch, which was characterized for pH, spreadability, and viscosity. The hydrogel demonstrated suitable pH levels for skin application (5.3-7.8) and optimal spreadability of 8.6 ± 0.03 mm².


Results: The hydrogel patch loaded with curcumin-containing AgNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 62.5 µg/mL, 125 µg/mL, and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were also determined, showing effective bactericidal activity at 125 µg/mL for E. coli. The hydrogel exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in the zone of inhibition, with E. coli showing the largest zone (20.2 ± 0.5 mm) at 1000 µg/mL. These findings demonstrate the hydrogel patch's significant antimicrobial potential.

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