Biodegradable multifunctional fabrication of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticle on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol flexible film for effective antibacterial potential and attenuation of human liver carcinoma cells.

Biopolymer-based drug delivery systems are increasingly attracting interest due to their excellent biocompatibility, non-toxic and cost-effectiveness. In this study, nanocomposite film was fabricated by silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag@ZnO) into chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) matrix. CS/PVA/Ag@ZnO nanocomposite film was confirmed through TEM, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy. This hydrophilic surface enabled the prolonged release of Ag+ ions (0.32 and 0.40 ppm) at physiological pH levels of 6.8 and 7.4. The antibacterial activity analysis showed 29 ± 0.09 mm, (P ≤ 0.05) against E. coli. K. pneumoniae showed 30 ± 1.2 mm (P ≤ 0.005). S. aureus and S. subtilis has 28 ± 0.5 mm (P ≤ 0.005) and 28 ± 1.2 mm (P ≤ 0.005) inhibition zone. Cytotoxicity analysis exhibited dose-dependent activity on HepG2 liver cancer cells low IC50 of 45.12 ± 0.009 μg/mL (P ≤ 0.0012) compared with non-targeted Ag@ZnO. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) flow cytometry has 47.20 % B3 values and high cell viability (98 ± 1.05 %, P ≤ 0.0018) of HEK293 cells, confirming its biocompatibility. The mechanical strength of 120 ± 1.35 MPa (P ≤ 0.001) ensures the film's durability and flexibility, making it suitable for anticancer therapy and supporting tissue regeneration in wound healing.