A novel antibacterial agent based on AgNPs and Fe3O4 loaded chitin microspheres with peroxidase-like activity for synergistic antibacterial activity and wound-healing

In this study, a novel antibacterial agent was developed based on chitin nanofibrous microspheres loaded with AgNPs and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Ag-Fe 3 O 4 -NMs) for synergistic antibacterial activity and wound healing. Ag-Fe 3 O 4 -NMs was prepared via an in situ synthetic method which showed an excellent porosity and wettability. Moreover, Ag-Fe 3 O 4 -NMs were capable of sustained release of Ag + and catalysed the decomposition of low H 2 O 2 concentrations to generate hydroxyl radical ( OH). The OH and Ag + showed higher antibacterial activity and inhibited the toxicity with high dose of AgNPs and H 2 O 2 . In vitro biocompatibility results suggested that Ag-Fe 3 O 4 -NMs have low toxicity and low hemolysis. Thus, a novel antibacterial agent with enhanced synergistic antibacterial activity was obtained by combination of Ag-Fe 3 O 4 -NMs and H 2 O 2 at a low and biologlically safe dosage, which could facilitate fibroblast growth, accelerate epithelialization, and promote the healing rate of infected wounds.