Melanin-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticle and its use for the preparation of carrageenan-based antibacterial films

Cellulose-based antimicrobial films incroporated with ZnO nanopillars on surface as biodegradable and antimicrobial packaging

Biodegradable and antimicrobial films without antibiotics are of great significance for the application associated with food packaging meanwhile minimizing the negative impact on environments. In this work, cellulose-based films with the surface tailor-constructed with ZnO nanopillars (ZnO NPs@Zn²⁺/Cel films) were prepared via chemical crosslinking in conjunction with a hydrothermal process for in-situ growth of ZnO NPs. As a packaging material, ZnO NPs@Zn²⁺/Cel films possess excellent mechanical properties, oxygen and water vapor barrier, food preservation, biodegradability and low Zn²⁺ migration. Moreover, ZnO NPs@Zn²⁺/Cel films show remarkable antimicrobial activity, especially for Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria). The antimicrobial mechanism of ZnO NPs@Zn²⁺/Cel films is studied using the controlled variable method, and results showed that the film without UV pretreatment killed bacterial cells mainly by mechanical rupture, while the film with UV pretreatment killed bacterial cells mainly via the synergistic effect of photocatalytic oxidation and mechanical rupture.

Applications of Inorganic Nanoparticles in Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review

Nanoparticles (NPs) have acquired significance in technological breakthroughs due to their unique properties, such as size, shape, chemical composition, physiochemical stability, crystal structure, and larger surface area. There is a huge demand for packaging materials that can keep food fresher for extended periods of time. The incorporation of nanoscale fillers in the polymer matrix would assists in the alleviation of packaging material challenges while also improving functional qualities. Increased barrier properties, thermal properties like melting point and glass transition temperatures, and changed functionalities like surface wettability and hydrophobicity are all features of these polymers containing nanocomposites. Inorganic nanoparticles also have the potential to reduce the growth of bacteria within the packaging. By incorporating nano-sized components into biopolymer-based packaging materials, waste material generated during the packaging process may be reduced. The different inorganic nanoparticles such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, silver, and gold are the most preferred inorganic nanoparticles used in food packaging. Food systems can benefit from using these packaging materials and improve physicochemical and functional properties. The compatibility of inorganic nanoparticles and their various forms with different polymers make them excellent components for package fortification. This review article describes the various aspects of developing and applying inorganic nanoparticles in food packaging. This study provides diverse uses of metals and metal oxides nanoparticles in food packaging films for the development of improved packaging films that can extend the shelf life of food products. These packaging solutions containing nanoparticles would effectively preserve, protect, and maintain the quality of the food material.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using sodium alginate and tannic acid: characterization and anti-S. aureus activity

Multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation are a growing problem in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus contamination. Advances in nanotechnology allow the synthesis of metal nanoparticles that can be assembled into complex architectures for controlling bacterial growth. This study aims to investigate the ultrasonic-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by tannic acid (TA) and sodium alginate (Na-Alg) as the reducing and stabilizing agents, respectively, and evaluation of their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), zetasizer, FT-IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the optimum produces were spherical, stable, and monodispersed AgNPs with an average size of particle sizes of 18.52 ± 0.07 nm. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the AgNPs loaded TA/Na-Alg constructs against S. aureus ATCC 6538 were investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the AgNPs was 31.25 μg/mL. After exposure to the AgNPs, planktonic S. aureus showed irreversible cell membrane damage, decreased cell viability, and changes in cellular morphology. In addition, the AgNps significantly inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation at 1/32 MIC. The biofilm elimination rate was 58.87% after exposure to MIC AgNPs. The results suggested that the development of AgNPs loaded TA/Na-Alg constructs with biomedical potentialities obtained through a simple, green, and cost-effective approach, may be suitable for the formulation of a new strategy for combating S. aureus.

Recent insights into carrageenan-based bio-nanocomposite polymers in food applications: A review

Nanotechnology has proven as progressive technology that enables to contribute, develop several effective and sustainable changes in food products. Incorporating nanomaterials like TiO₂, SiO₂, Halloysite nano clay, Copper sulfide, Bentonite nano clay, in carrageenan to develop innovative packaging materials with augmented mechanical and antimicrobial properties along with moisture and gas barrier properties that can produce safe and healthy foods. Intervention of carrageenan-based bio-nanocomposites as food packaging constituents has shown promising results in increasing the shelf stability and food quality by arresting the microbial growth. Nanomaterials can be incorporated within the carrageenan for developing active packaging systems for continuous protection of food products under different storage environments from farm to the fork to ensure quality and safety of foods. Carrageenan based bio nanocomposite packaging materials can be helpful to reduce the environmental concerns due to their high biodegradability index. This review gives insight about the current trends in the applications of carrageenan-based bio nanocomposites for different food packaging applications.

Development and Characterization of Semi-Refined Iota Carrageenan/SiO2-ZnO Bionanocomposite Film with the Addition of Cassava Starch for Application on Minced Chicken Meat Packaging

In the current study, film based on semi-refined ι-carrageenan/cassava starch (SRiC/CS) incorporated with SiO₂-ZnO nanoparticles was fabricated and characterized to deal with serious environmental problems resulting from plastic packaging materials. This study aimed to evaluate film properties with the variation of SRiC/CS proportions of bionanocomposite films for application to minced chicken meat packaging. Increasing CS portion contributed to increased transparency, reduced surface roughness, and decreased mechanical properties of films. The variable significantly (p < 0.05) increased the water vapor permeability (WVP) and reduced the water solubility of films. The incorporation of the nanoparticles significantly (p < 0.05) increased UV screening, decreased WVP, and enhanced the antimicrobial activity of films. Furthermore, the substitution of 0.5 wt% (weight percentage) CS provided the best film characteristics. Based on the color and the total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) results, SRiC film incorporated with the nanoparticles preserved minced chicken quality up to six days. Thus, the developed films are desirable for biodegradable food packaging.

Carrageenan/agar-based functional film integrated with zinc sulfide nanoparticles and Pickering emulsion of tea tree essential oil for active packaging applications

A functional carrageenan/agar-based film was prepared by combining tea tree oil Pickering emulsion (PET) and zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnSNP). PET was formulated using tea tree essential oil stabilized with nanocellulose fibers. PET and ZnSNPs were uniformly dispersed in the binary polymer matrix and formed compatible films. The incorporation of ZnSNPs improved the mechanical strength, whereas PET slightly decreased the strength, but the combined addition of ZnSNP and PET maintained the mechanical strength with slightly improved flexibility. The addition of ZnSNP and PET, alone or in combination, slightly improved the water vapor barrier, water resistance, and thermal stability of the film. In addition, the carrageenan/agar-based composite membrane showed distinct antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The ZnSNP and PET incorporated binary composite films with enhanced physical and functional properties are likely to be used in active food packaging applications.

New Active Packaging Based on Biopolymeric Mixture Added with Bacteriocin as Active Compound

The objective of this work was to develop a chitosan/agar-agar bioplastic film incorporated with bacteriocin that presents active potential when used as food packaging. The formulation of the film solution was determined from an experimental design, through the optimization using the desirability function. After establishing the concentrations of the biopolymers and the plasticizer, the purified bacteriocin extract of Lactobacillus sakei was added, which acts as an antibacterial agent. The films were characterized through physical, chemical, mechanical, barrier, and microbiological analyses. The mechanical properties and water vapor permeability were not altered by the addition of the extract. The swelling property decreased with the addition of the extract and the solubility increased, however, the film remained intact when in contact with the food, thus allowing an efficient barrier. Visible light protection was improved by increased opacity and antibacterial capacity was effective. When used as Minas Frescal cream cheese packaging, it contributed to the increase of microbiological stability, showing a reduction of 2.62 log UFC/g, contributing a gradual release of the active compound into the food during the storage time. The film had an active capacity that could be used as a barrier to the food, allowing it to be safely packaged.

Effect on Human Vascular Endothelial Cells of Au Nanoparticles Synthesized from Vitex mollis

A green method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles is proposed using hydroethanolic extract of Vitex mollis fruit (Vm extract) as a reducer and stabilizer. The formation of gold nanoparticles synthesized with Vm extract (AuVmNPs) was monitored by measuring the ultraviolet-visible spectra. The morphology and crystalline phase were determined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Synthesized nanoparticles were generally spherical, and the size distribution obtained by transmission electron microscopy shows two populations with mean sizes of 12.5 and 22.5 nm. Cell viability assay using MTT and cellular apoptosis studies using annexin V on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the human mammary epithelial cell line (MCF10A) indicate that AuVmNPs have low toxicity. Cell migration tests indicate that AuVmNPs significantly inhibit HUVEC cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. The evaluation of the localization of AuVmNPs in HUVECs using confocal laser scanning microscopy indicates that nanoparticles penetrate cells and are found in the cytosol without preferential distribution and without entering the nucleus. The inhibitory effect on cellular migration and low toxicity suggest AuVmNPs as appropriate candidates in future studies of antiangiogenic activity.

Silver ion loaded 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane -modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles for the fabrication of carrageenan-based active packaging films

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle loaded with silver ion was prepared as a more efficient, safer, and less environmentally hazardous silver-based antibacterial nanomaterial. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle was modified using 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTMS) to enhance the silver ion adsorption capacity and antibacterial activity. Silver ions were adsorbed on pristine Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄@NH₂ to enhance antibacterial activity. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results showed that Fe₃O₄ adsorbed 2.74 wt% of Ag, whereas Fe₃O₄@NH₂ adsorbed 9.88 wt%. Pristine Fe₃O₄NP, silver ion loaded Fe₃O₄ (Fe₃O₄-Ag), and silver ion loaded Fe₃O₄@NH₂ (Fe₃O₄@NH₂-Ag) were used to manufacture carrageenan-based composite films. Compared with Fe₃O₄-Ag, Fe₃O₄@NH₂-Ag exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity against E. coli (8.82 vs. 5.02 log reduction) and L. monocytogenes (10.09 vs. 3.93 log reduction). While the addition of Fe₃O₄ significantly reduced the WCA of the carrageenan films from 61.1 ± 5.4 ° to 37.2 ± 2.1 °, the additions of Fe₃O₄-Ag and Fe₃O₄@NH₂-Ag reduced the WCA of the film to a lesser extent (56.9 ± 4.6 ° and 56.9 ± 4.6 °, respectively). Fe₃O₄NP also improved the thermal stability of carrageenan over Fe₃O₄@NH₂-Ag (22 °C vs. 13 °C) and UV blocking properties (T₂₈₀, 0.1 ± 0.0 % vs. 3.3 ± 1.5 %).

Gelatin-Based Film Integrated with Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles for Active Packaging Applications

Gelatin-based multifunctional composite films were prepared by reinforcing various amounts of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNP, 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt %), and the effect of CuSNP on the film was evaluated by analyzing its physical and antibacterial properties. CuSNP makes a compatible film with gelatin. The inclusion of CuSNP significantly enhanced the UV blocking, mechanical strength, and water vapor barrier properties of the gelatin film. The inclusion of CuSNP of 1.0 wt % or less did not affect the transparency of the gelatin film. When 2.0 wt % of CuSNP was mixed, the hydrophilicity of the gelatin film did not change noticeably, but its thermal properties slightly increased. Moreover, the gelatin/CuSNP composite film presented effective antibacterial activity against E. coli and some activity against L. monocytogenes. Gelatin/CuSNP composite films with better functional and physical properties can be used for food packaging or biomedical applications.

Emerging nanomaterials for antibacterial textile fabrication

In recent times, the search for innovative material to fabricate smart textiles has been increasing to satisfy the expectation and needs of the consumers, as the textile material plays a key role in the evolution of human culture. Further, the textile materials provide an excellent environment for the microbes to grow, because of their large surface area and ability to retain moisture. In addition, the growth of harmful bacteria on the textile material not only damages them but also leads to intolerable foul odour and significant danger to public health. In particular, the pathogenic bacteria present in the fabric surface can cause severe skin infections such as skin allergy and irritation via direct human contact and even can lead to heart problems and pneumonia in certain cases. Recently, nanoparticles and nanomaterials play a significant role in textile industries for developing functional smart textiles with self-cleaning, UV-protection, insect repellent, waterproof, anti-static, flame-resistant and antimicrobial-resistant properties. Thus, this review is an overview of various textile fibres that favour bacterial growth and potential antibacterial nanoparticles that can inhibit the growth of bacteria on fabric surfaces. In addition, the probable antibacterial mechanism of nanoparticles and the significance of the fabric surface modification and fabric finishes in improving the long-term antibacterial efficacy of nanoparticle-coated fabrics were also discussed.

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles biocomposite films depends on the silver ions release behaviour

This study aimed to investigate the release of silver ions from the packaging, their diffusion within a food hydrogel and the effect on the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens. Biosorbed-silver nanoparticles (BSNPs) were synthesized using a plant extract and were incorporated into chitosan or poly (vinyl alcohol) polymer to prepare biocomposite films. The addition of BSNPs improved the physical and antimicrobial properties of the films as shown by tensile strength and inhibition of P. fluorescens in hydrogels, respectively. PVA based BSNPs film showed a stronger antimicrobial effect, compared to chitosan based BSNPs film and this correlated with a higher amount of silver ions release from the PVA film into the hydrogel. Results suggest that the strength of the interaction between BSNPs and the film polymer is the key factor leading to the difference in the release behaviour of the antimicrobials, which in turn determines the antimicrobial activity of the active packaging.

Valorization and extraction optimization of Citrus seeds for food and functional food applications

Valorization of food byproducts has attracted recently considerable attention. Citrus fruits provide considerable non-edible residues reach 80% in juice production. They are considered agri-wastes to comprise peel, pulp and seeds. Previous investigations have focused on peel and pulp to recover value-added products. The review presents for the first-time phytochemical composition of Citrus seeds' products, i.e., oil and extracts. Fatty acids, phytosterols and tocopherols amounted as the major bioactives in Citrus seeds, in addition to limonoids, dietary fibers and flavonoids. Besides their nutritional values, these chemicals have promising applications including production of biodiesel, food enhancers and antioxidants, especially from mandarin and grapefruit seeds. Optimum conditions of the different Citrus seeds' valorization are discussed to improve extraction yield and lessen environmental hazards of solvent extraction. This review presents the best utilization practices for one of the largest cultivated fruit seeds worldwide and its different applications.

Ultrasonically developed silver/iota-carrageenan/cotton bionanocomposite as an efficient material for biomedical applications

In this approach, we assembled AgNps on cotton by using iota-carrageenan as a carbohydrate polymer under ultrasonic waves. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that iota-carrageenan free radicals increased the absorbance values of AgNps at 438 nm under ultrasonic vibration. We also observed an effective reduction of AgNps by color hue changes in the colloidal dispersions, ranging from pale to dark yellow. Interestingly, the zeta potential values for the AgNps changed from -8.5 to -45.7 mV after incorporation with iota-carrageenan. Moreover, iota-carrageenan reduced the average particle sizes of AgNps/iota-carrageenan nanocomposite particles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra proved the successful fabrication of AgNps/iota-carrageenan/cotton nanocomposites by shifting two bands at 3257 and 990 cm^-1. Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics demonstrated strong interactions between AgNps and iota-carrageenan by changes in the bond lengths for CC, CH, CO, SO. Furthermore, new energy levels were generated in iota-carrageenan's molecules by exciting electrons under ultrasonic vibration. According to the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results, fabrication of AgNps/iota-carrageenan on cotton reduced the thermal stability of the resultant AgNps/iota-carrageenan/cotton nanocomposites. The average friction coefficient values of nanocomposite samples were increased in weft-to-warp direction that can be an advantage for wound healing, antimicrobial treatment and drug delivery applications. We did not observe reduction in the mechanical properties of our AgNps incorporated nanocomposites. Furthermore, the samples were tested for possible cytotoxicity against primary human skin fibroblast cells and no toxicity was observed.

New insight into melanin for food packaging and biotechnology applications

Melanin is a dark brown to black biomacromolecule with biologically active multifunctional properties that do not have a precise chemical structure, but its structure mainly depends on the polymerization conditions during the synthesis process. Natural melanin can be isolated from various animal, plant, and microbial sources, while synthetic melanin-like compounds can be synthesized by simple polymerization of dopamine. Melanin is widely used in various areas due to its functional properties such as photosensitivity, light barrier property, free radical scavenging ability, antioxidant activity, etc. It also has an excellent ability to act as a reducing agent and capping agent to synthesize various metal nanoparticles. Melanin nanoparticles (MNP) or melanin-like nanoparticles (MLNP) have the unique potential to act as functional materials to improve nanocomposite films' physical and functional properties. Various food packaging and biomedical applications have been made alone or by mixing melanin or MLNP. In this review, the general aspects of melanin that highlight biological activity, along with a description of MNP and the use as nanofillers in packaging films as well as reducing and capping agents and biomedical applications, were comprehensively reviewed.

Tannic-Acid-Cross-Linked and TiO2-Nanoparticle-Reinforced Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Film

A chitosan-based nanocomposite film with tannic acid (TA) as a cross-linker and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) as a reinforcing agent was developed with a solution casting technique. TA and TiO₂ are biocompatible with chitosan, and this paper studied the synergistic effect of the cross-linker and the reinforcing agent. The addition of TA enhanced the ultraviolet blocking and mechanical properties of the chitosan-based nanocomposite film. The reinforcement of TiO₂ in chitosan/TA further improved the nanocomposite film's mechanical properties compared to the neat chitosan or chitosan/TA film. The thermal stability of the chitosan-based nanocomposite film was slightly enhanced, whereas the swelling ratio decreased. Interestingly, its water vapor barrier property was also significantly increased. The developed chitosan-based nanocomposite film showed potent antioxidant activity, and it is promising for active food packaging.

Fabrication of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles and Limonene Incorporated Pullulan/Carrageenan-Based Film with Improved Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties

Edible biopolymer (pullulan/carrageenan) based functional composite films were fabricated by the addition of copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNP) and D-limonene (DL). The DL and CuSNP were compatible with the pullulan/carrageenan biopolymer matrix. The addition of CuSNP significantly increased the UV-blocking properties without substantially reducing the transparency of the film. The addition of CuSNP improved the film's tensile strength by 10%; however, the DL addition did not significantly influence the strength, while the combined addition of CuSNP and DL increased the strength by 15%. The addition of the fillers did not significantly affect the thermal stability of the film, but the water vapor barrier property was slightly improved. There was no significant change in the moisture content and hydrophobicity of the composite film. Besides, the composite film showed some antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The fabricated pullulan/carrageenan-based film with antimicrobial and UV-barrier properties is likely to be used in active food packaging applications.

A novel amino cellulose derivative using ATRP method: Preparation, characterization, and investigation of its antibacterial activity

In this study, we prepared a novel amino cellulose derivative (benzyl cellulose-g-poly [2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]) via a homogeneous ATRP method. The successful synthesis of the novel amino cellulose was confirmed by FT-IR and ¹H NMR. This study addressed the different characteristics of the prepared polymer including the thermal stability, solubility, and X-ray diffraction pattern. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized cellulose derivative was investigated using the diffusion disk method against both gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Based on the inhibition zone, it was confirmed that the prepared benzyl cellulose-g-PDMAEMA possesses acceptable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus while Bacillus subtilis is resistant to the prepared polymer. Also according to the inhibition zone, it was shown that benzyl cellulose-g-PDMAEMA has more impact on E. coli and Salmonella enterica than Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular dynamics simulation was also used to study the interaction of the synthesized cellulose derivative with a model membrane which presented atomistic details of the polymer-lipid interactions. According to the results obtained from the molecular dynamics simulation, the polymer was able to destabilize the structure of the membrane and clearly express its signs of degradation.

A novel glucomannan incorporated functionalized carbon nanotube films: Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity

A novel nanocomposite film was developed by incorporating functionalized carbon nanotube (PCNT) and gallic acid (GA) into carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CKGM) and gelatin (GL) matrix. The influences of the PCNT content on the structural, morphological, mechanical, barrier, thermal and antimicrobial properties of CKGM/GL nanocomposite film were discussed. The structure of PCNT@CKGM/GL nanocomposite film was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and AFM. The crystal structure and thermal ability of the film were generated by XRD and TGA-DTG. The analyses of FT-IR revealed that the amide linkage and strong hydrogen bonding were formed between CKGM, GL, and PCNT. Moreover, the characterization of mechanical properties, moisture barrier, and antimicrobial activities indicated the benefits of adding PCNT into CKGM/GL films. The results suggested that the PCNT@CKGM/GL films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Therefore, such antimicrobial nanocomposite films have the potential of maintaining the quality and prolong the shelf life of food products.

Preparation of a shikonin-based pH-sensitive color indicator for monitoring the freshness of fish and pork

A novel intelligent pH-responsive color indicator was prepared by adsorbing a natural naphthoquinone pigment, shikonin, onto cellulose paper. FTIR results indicated that shikonin was crosslinked with the cellulose of the indicator paper. The addition of shikonin increased antioxidant activity, thermal stability, and water resistance properties of the paper. The indicator changed the color from red to dark blue, depending on the pH of buffer solutions. Also, the indicator showed high stability after 4 months of storage and maintained high sensitivity to pH changes. This indicator was used to monitor fish and pork freshness during storage at room temperature, and the results showed a high correlation between the color change of the indicator and the pH change of the sample. The shikonin-adsorbed indicator with stable and sensitive color change depending on pH can be used in the intelligent food packaging applications to monitor the quality of packaged food in real-time.

Anthocyanin food colorant and its application in pH-responsive color change indicator films

Recently, interest in smart packaging, which can show the color change of the packaging film according to the state of the food and evaluate the quality or freshness of the packaged food in real-time, is increasing. As a color indicator, a natural colorant, anthocyanin, drew a lot of attention due to their various colors as well as useful functions properties such as antioxidant activity and anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. In particular, the pH-responsive color-changing function of anthocyanins is useful for making color indicator smart packaging films. This review addressed the latest information on the use of natural pigment anthocyanins for intelligent and active food packaging applications. Recent studies on eco-friendly biodegradable polymer-based color indicator films incorporated with anthocyanins have been addressed. Also, studies on the use of smart packaging films to monitor the freshness of foods such as milk, meat, and fish were reviewed. This review highlights the potential and challenges for the use of anthocyanins as pH-responsive color-changing films for intelligent food packaging applications, which may be beneficial for further development of smart color indicator films for practical use.

Silver nanoparticles: Advanced and promising technology in diabetic wound therapy

Wounds associated with diabetes mellitus are the most severe co-morbidities, which could be progressed to cause cell necrosis leading to amputation. Statistics on the recent status of the diabetic wounds revealed that the disease affects 15% of diabetic patients, where 20% of them undergo amputation of their limb. Conventional therapies are found to be ineffective due to changes in the molecular architecture of the injured area, urging novel deliveries for effective treatment. Therefore, recent researches are on the development of new and effective wound care materials. Literature is evident in providing potential tools in topical drug delivery for wound healing under the umbrella of nanotechnology, where nano-scaffolds and nanofibers have shown promising results. The nano-sized particles are also known to promote healing of wounds by facilitating proper movement through the healing phases. To date, focuses have been made on the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in treating the diabetic wound, where these nanoparticles are known to exploit potential biological properties in producing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. AgNPs are also known to activate cellular mechanisms towards the healing of chronic wounds; however, associated toxicities of AgNPs are of great concern. This review is an attempt to illustrate the use of AgNPs in wound healing to facilitate this delivery system in bringing into clinical applications for a superior dressing and treatment over wounds and ulcers in diabetes patients.