Antimicrobial nano silver (Ag)-enabled wound dressing evaluated using open flow microperfusion: Comparison of uncoated versus hydroxyethyl cellulose-coated Ag

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) are frequently deployed in medical devices due to their antimicrobial properties. We previously reported an eco-friendly process for preparing AgNPs by using a quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a capping and reducing agent. Here, inspired by the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework, we conducted a comprehensive safety and efficacy assessment of AgHEC versus commercial uncoated AgNPs before and after their integration into wound dressings based on poly L-lactic acid fibers prepared by electrospinning (PLLA-Ag and PLLA-AgHEC). We demonstrated that the AgHEC formulation displayed an improved antibacterial efficacy compared to its uncoated counterpart. We also performed colloidal and dissolution studies in vitro using relevant biological media. Moreover, the toxicological evaluation using state-of-the-art porcine skin models and the clinically relevant dermal open flow microperfusion (dOFM) approach demonstrated negligible penetration of silver through both intact and disrupted skin while no evidence for elevated inflammatory immune responses was noted compared to the control. Taken together, our findings not only validate AgHEC as an alternative for wound healing applications but also establishes a robust methodological framework for the future evaluation of other nanobiomaterials.