SILVER-DOPED ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR ANTIBACTERIAL AND WOUND-HEALING APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag–ZnO NPs) have gained increasing attention as multifunctional biomaterials due to their enhanced antibacterial and wound-healing properties. In this study, Ag–ZnO NPs were synthesized through a sol–gel method and systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Structural and optical analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of silver into the ZnO lattice, accompanied by a narrowing of the band gap and improved light absorption. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using disc diffusion and colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, demonstrating significantly higher inhibition with Ag–ZnO compared to pristine ZnO. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays confirmed the role of oxidative stress in bacterial killing. Furthermore, wound-healing activity was evaluated using fibroblast (L929) scratch assays, where Ag–ZnO treatment accelerated cell migration and closure within 48 h. The nanoparticles also maintained high cell viability, indicating biocompatibility. These findings highlight Ag–ZnO NPs as promising candidates for biomedical applications, particularly in antibacterial coatings and wound dressings.