Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded PVA Nanofibers for Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Wound Healing Applications

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated and characterized for their potential application in wound healing. AgNPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Withania somnifera roots and incorporated into electrospun PVA nanofibers. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform, bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter of 39.4 ± 10.6 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) validated the presence of silver within the nanofibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested non-covalent interactions between AgNPs and PVA, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of AgNPs within the semi-crystalline PVA matrix. The nanofibers exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with 89.16% ± 0.71% DPPH radical scavenging at 50 mg/mL, comparable to ascorbic acid. Antibacterial assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas spp. , with zones of inhibition reaching 21.03 ± 0.94 mm, 22.89 ± 1.12 mm, and 23.72 ± 1.05 mm, respectively, at 100 mg/mL. In vitro scratch assays on 3T3-L1 fibroblasts revealed significantly enhanced wound closure (76.3 ± 2.7%) in the presence of AgNP/PVA nanofiber extract compared to the control (49.8 ± 3.1%) after 24 hours. These findings highlight the potential of green-synthesized AgNP-loaded PVA nanofibers as a promising material for wound healing applications, combining antioxidant, antibacterial, and tissue regenerative properties.