One-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles embedded in polysaccharide-based hydrogel: Physical-chemical characterization and feasibility for large-scale production

Abstract

In this study, polysaccharide-based hydrogel wound dressings containing in situ synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by using a simple, fast and green protocol. The prepared hydrogels were characterized with UV-vis and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The rheological and swelling properties and the feasibility to scale-up the wound dressing production from the lamination of the prepared hydrogel on non-woven fabric were also investigated. UV-vis spectra confirmed the AuNPs synthesis and the DLS results exhibited an increase in the size of AuNPs with increasing the initial Au³⁺ concentration. The rheological analysis showed that the augmentation of the initial Au³⁺ concentration reduces the gel viscosity and gelling temperature. Besides, the FT-IR spectra revealed that the AuNPs hinder the intermolecular interactions between kappa-carrageenan (κCG) and locust bean gum (LBG). The feasibility of scale-up the wound dressing production from the prepared hydrogel was confirmed through the lamination tests.

Keywords: Gold nanoparticles; Kappa-carrageenan; Locust bean Gum; Scale-up production; Wound dressing.