Optimization of Silver Nanoparticle Dermal Patch Films for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation and Characterization Study

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known for their potent antibacterial properties, making them suitable for wound healing applications. Aims: This study focuses on formulating AgNPs into dermal patch films (DPFs), leveraging the adhesive properties of the film for the effective delivery of active ingredients. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized through a green synthesis method using Plantago major L. Leaf extract as a bioreductant. Five distinct formulations, ranging from AgNP concentration of 0% (control), 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.10%, were optimized and denoted as Formulas 1-5 (F1-F5), respectively. The films were fabricated by solvent casting method employing a manual film applicator. A variety of evaluations were then performed on the films, including assessments of their physical and chemical characteristics. These characteristics included organoleptic properties, film thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, loss on drying (LOD), crystallinity, the interaction between active ingredients and excipients, the morphological characteristics of the films, and a wound healing study. Results: All formulations resulted in smooth and transparent films. Favorable outcomes were observed in film thickness and surface pH measurements. Formulations F1-F4 demonstrated exceptional folding endurance (> 200 times). This is also affirmed by a reduction in the -OH peak in the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis showed that F1-F4 had adopted an amorphous structure, while F5 retained crystalline AgNPs. The drying process revealed that F5 exhibited the lowest moisture loss. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging displayed distinct morphologies among the five formulations. F4 and F5 exhibited the highest percentage of wound healing. Conclusion: The formulation of AgNPs synthesized through a green synthesis method, utilizing Plantago major L. leaf extract as a bioreductant, has demonstrated significant improvements in the physical characteristics, particularly in Formulations F1-F4. Notably, F4 exhibited the highest wound healing efficacy. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that F4 (AgNPs 0.05%) represents the most promising DPF formulation for enhanced wound healing applications.