Overuse of antimicrobials by the population has contributed to genetic modifications in bacteria and development of antimicrobial resistance, which is very difficult to combat nowadays. To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop new systems for the administration of antimicrobial active principles. Biocomposite systems containing silver nanoparticles can be a good medical alternative. In this context, the main objective of this study was to obtain a complex system in the form of a biocomposite film with antimicrobial properties based on chitosan, poly (vinyl alcohol) and silver nanoparticles. This new system was characterized from a structural and morphological point of view. The swelling degree, the mechanical properties and the efficiency of loading and release of an anti-inflammatory drug were also evaluated. The obtained biocomposite films are biocompatibles, this having been demonstrated by in vitro tests on HDFa cell lines, and have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. The in vivo tests, carried out on rabbit subjects, highlighted the fact that signs of reduced fibrosis were specific to the C2P4.10.Ag1-IBF film sample, demonstrated by: intense expression of TNFAIP8 factors; as an anti-apoptotic marker, MHCII that favors immune cooperation among local cells; αSMA, which marks the presence of myofibroblasts involved in approaching the interepithelial spaces for epithelialization; and reduced expression of the Cox2 indicator of inflammation, Col I.

Hydrogels based on natural and synthetic polymers and inorganic nanoparticles proved to be a viable strategy in the fight against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated the advantages of using ZnO nanoparticles in medicine due to their high antibacterial efficacy and relatively low cost. Consequently, the purpose of our study was to incorporate ZnO nanoparticles into chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels in order to obtain a biocomposite with antimicrobial properties. These biocomposite hydrogels, prepared by a double crosslinking (covalent and ionic) were characterized from a structural, morphological, swelling degree, and mechanical point of view. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated both the apparition of new imine and acetal bonds due to covalent crosslinking and the presence of the sulfate group following ionic crosslinking. The morphology, swelling degree, and mechanical properties of the obtained hydrogels were influenced by both the degree of covalent crosslinking and the amount of ZnO nanoparticles incorporated. In vitro cytotoxicity assessment showed that hydrogels without ZnONPs are non-cytotoxic while the biocomposite hydrogels are weak (with 3% ZnONPs) or moderately (with 4 and 5% ZnONPs) cytotoxic. Compared to nanoparticle-free hydrogels, the biocomposite hydrogels show significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumonia.

Preparation of complex biomaterials capable of providing both controlled drug delivery and an increased antimicrobial effect without affecting healthy cells remains a major challenge in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. This study reports the successful preparation of biocomposite microparticles based on carboxymethyl chitosan and poly (vinyl alcohol), co-loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial effect and Ibuprofen with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effect. An environmentally friendly water-in-oil emulsion method using DL-limonene as a biocompatible oil phase was used to obtain these microparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of intermolecular ester and amide bonds and the successful incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles into the polymeric matrix. The obtained microparticles exhibited diameters ranging from 533 to 1054 nm and provided a biphasic Ibuprofen release profile, characterized by an initial burst release within the first 3 h followed by sustained diffusion-controlled release, achieving cumulative drug release of 84–100%. Biocomposite microparticles presented excellent hemocompatibility, with hemolysis values between 0.41% and 2.47%. Moreover, after 24 h of exposure to microparticles, human dermal fibroblasts exhibited a cellular viability ranging from 82.24% to 94.22% whereas prolonged treatment for 48 h resulted in a slight decrease of cell viability until 74.88%. Biocomposite microparticles exhibited notable antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae strain. These findings demonstrate that the combination of green fabrication, controlled Ibuprofen release, good biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy highlights the potential of these biocomposite microparticles as innovative hybrid nanostructures that can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.