Rapid wound healing with silver nanoparticle-decorated miswak-derived carbon quantum dots

Abstract

Background: Oxidants are pivotal in combating aging, cancer, and weakened immunity. Shielding the body from free radicals is crucial for an extended lifespan. The development of effective systems for this purpose is paramount. This study investigated the impact of miswak carbon quantum dots (M-CQD) on radical elimination and wound healing.

Methods: M-CQD were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using miswak water extract at 220 °C for 8 h. Chitosan-modified Ag@M-CS-CQD were produced. The characterization involved SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. M-CQD and Ag@M-CS-CQD emitted bluish-white light under UV excitation.

Results: At 10, 30, and 50 μg/mL, DPPH• and phosphomolybdenum complex radicals inhibited 67 %, 82 %, and 98 %, respectively, with Ag@M-CS-CQD demonstrating the highest activity. The IC₅₀ values for M-CQD and Ag@M-CS-CQD were 0.91 ± 0.010 and 1.183 ± 0.033, respectively. Ag@M-CS-CQD NPs displayed remarkable wound healing efficacy at 20 μg/L, highlighting their potential as potent antioxidants. Immunohistochemical analyzes also showed that Ag@M-CS-CQD increased TGF-β expression levels, which was associated with wound healing.

Conclusion: This eco-friendly synthesis method yielded Ag@M-CS-CQD, which exhibited robust antioxidant properties and efficacy in wound healing. This study emphasizes the potential of these nanoparticles as effective therapeutic agents.

Keywords: Ag NPs; Carbon quantum dot (CQD); Chitosan; Miswak; Wound healing assay.