Nanocomposite sponges of sodium alginate/graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol as potential wound dressing: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Wound dressings with high flexibility, mechanical strength , and porosity have received increasing attention. Herein, nanocomposite sponges of sodium alginate/graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinyl alcohol were prepared by a freeze-thawing cyclic process and freeze-dried molding. The properties of the sponges were investigated including morphology, mechanical properties , swelling, water vapor permeability, in vitro norfloxacin (NFX) release, antibacterial property , and biocompatibility as well as in vivo wound healing in a mouse model. A GO concentration of 1 wt% resulted in the sponges with a homogeneously porous and interconnected network structure, which exhibited suitable water absorption, breathability , and mechanical properties. Hemolysis tests indicated that the prepared sponges were non-hemolytic material. The CCK-8 assay demonstrated that the presence of an appropriate amount of GO could promote the cell proliferation . The sponges displayed excellent bioavailability of NFX, with a sustained release behavior and a strong inhibitory effect against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . The in vivo evaluations demonstrated that the sponges enhanced wound healing. Therefore, these novel nanocomposite sponges are promising candidates for wound healing applications.