Development of Curcumin–Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded PVA/Starch Nanocomposite Films for Antibacterial Wound Dressing Applications

Abstract

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with broad-spectrum antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological properties. However, its therapeutic potential is limited by poor water solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations and enhance its antimicrobial activity. In this context, hybrid silver/curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-AgNPs) represent an attractive strategy combining the intrinsic antibacterial properties of silver with the multifunctional activity of curcumin. In this study, Cur-AgNPs were synthesized through a green approach using curcumin as both a reducing and stabilizing agent and their incorporation into biodegradable nanocomposite films based on PVA and potato starch, intended for antibacterial active wound dressing applications.  Three formulations were prepared by varying the concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and curcumine in order to investigate its influence on nanoparticle formation and physicochemical properties. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible and FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate their optical and chemical properties, while dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements were performed to determine nanoparticle size and colloidal stability.

Subsequently, the Cur-AgNPs were incorporated into biodegradable nanocomposite films based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and potato starch, with the aim of developing an antibacterial active wound dressing. The antibacterial activity of the resulting systems was evaluated against five clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The Cur-AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, which may be attributed to the combined effects of silver and curcumin, as well as the enhanced interfacial interactions associated with their nanoscale dimensions. Incorporation of the Cur-AgNPs into biodegradable PVA/starch films further highlights their potential as sustainable antimicrobial materials for wound-dressing applications. Overall, this green synthesis approach provides a simple and potentially sustainable strategy for the development of curcumin-functionalized silver nanoparticles and their incorporation into biodegradable nanocomposite films with promising potential for antibacterial wound care.