Fabrication of ferulic acid-decorated ZnO nanoparticles in a chitosan matrix: A bioactive powder for wound management.

This study introduces a polysaccharide-based antibacterial powder wound dressing, featuring zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) bioreduced via ferulic acid (FA), embedded within a matrix of chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and collagen (Col). SEM and TEM imaging revealed a uniform and well-distributed presence of the ZnO NPs within the matrix. In vitro release studies indicated a sustained FA release over 48 h. Additionally, it exhibited a remarkable fluid uptake capacity relative to its initial weight, comparable to commercial wound dressings. Antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory responses were significantly improved, showing enhanced scavenging capability and reduced cytokine levels. The MTT assay confirmed that FA coating effectively reduced ZnO NPs toxicity, enabling ZnO@FA-CS/Col/HA to maintain excellent biocompatibility along with notable antibacterial performance against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The combined antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of ZnO@FA-CS/Col/HA thereby accelerated wound closure and promoted tissue regeneration. In vivo evaluation in a diabetic rat model demonstrated faster healing compared to the marketed powder dressing. Histopathological observations confirmed well-regulated angiogenesis, controlled inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased collagen deposition in treated wounds. These findings establish ZnO@FA-CS/Col/HA as a promising polysaccharide-based powder dressing for the effective management of chronic and hard-to-heal wounds.