Objective: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using cyanobacterial platforms is becoming more popular nowadays. In this study, the filamentous non-heterocystous cyanobacterium Phormidium sp. was used for AgNPs production. Then, it was investigated for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties.
Materials and methods: The cyanobacterium cultures were challenged by AgNO3, and the obtained nanoparticles were characterized using UV and FTIR spectrometric methods. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was scrutinized against MRSA either alone or in combination 0.5% chloramphenicol. The green synthesized AgNPs were tested for their skin wound healing activity using several wound models at different concentrations.
Results: The cyanobacterial culture extract showed the characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 440 nm for AgNPs. Different functional groups that could contribute to the reduction of Ag+ to AgNPs or the stabilization of the nanoparticles were identified by the FTIR. AgNPs potentiated the antimicrobial activity of chloramphenicol against MRSA. Green synthesized silver nanoparticles have demonstrated topical effectiveness in different wound models, including excision, incision, and burn. Significant wound improvement and the increase in wound closure rate, hydroxyproline content, and the reduction in epithelialization period confirmed the wound healing potency of AgNPs. The enzymatic antioxidant level escalation and inflammatory cytokines attenuation supported the AgNPs substantial effect on wound repairing.
Conclusions: Biogenic AgNPs produced by Phormidium sp. showed significant antimicrobial together with wound healing abilities.