In vivo evaluation of chitosan-PVP-titanium dioxide nanocomposite as wound dressing material

In our present study, the blends of chitosan, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The size distribution of the TiO2 nanoparticles was measured using transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. The studies on the mechanical properties of composite material indicate that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles increases its strength. The prepared nanocomposite dressing has excellent antimicrobial efficacy and good biocompatibility against NIH3T3 and L929 fibroblast cells. Compared to conventional gauze, soframycin skin ointment and chitosan treated groups, the prepared nano dressing caused an accelerated healing of open excision type wounds in albino rat model. The synergistic effects of nanocomposite dressing material like good antibacterial ability, high swelling properties, high WVTR, excellent hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, wound appearance and wound closure rate through in vivo test makes it a suitable candidate for wound healing applications. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.