DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEL DRESSING MATERIALS INCORPORATED WITH ZINC OXIDE AND GARLIC EXTRACT FOR BACTERIAL INHIBITION
This project focuses on developing an advanced hydrogel dressing material infused with zinc oxide nanoparticles and garlic extract to enhance wound healing by combating bacterial infections.
Hydrogels, known for their high water content and biocompatibility, provide a moist and soothing environment ideal for treating burns, ulcers, surgical wounds, and other skin injuries. By incorporating garlic—recognized for its antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties—and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), which are effective against a broad range of bacteria, this project aims to create a cost-effective, natural, and efficient wound care material. Although garlic extract and ZnO NPs separately suppress bacterial growth but excessive amount of either substance causes side effects. It is expected that the combination of garlic extract and ZnO NPs will neutralize these side effects leading to enhancing the bacterial suppression.
Research Assistant Tasnuba Yasmin, under the guidance of Principal Investigator Lt. Col Md. Maruf Hasan, PhD, is working on the project which officially commenced in January. However, to achieve the goal, swelling tests, SEM analysis, tensile strength testing, FTIR spectroscopy, cytotoxicity assessment (MTT assay), and antibacterial testing (disc diffusion method) will be conducted.
The research projected is funded by Research and Development Wing of MIST.
Research Team
- Assistant Professor, Lt. Col Md. Maruf Hasan, PhD (Principal Investigator)
Department of Biomedical Engineering, MIST
- Research Assistant, Tasnuba Yasmin (MIST, BME-05)
Department of Biomedical Engineering, MIST
Figure: (a) Hydrogel Disc, (b) Hydrogel sheet (incorporated with garlic extract and ZnO NPs) being applied on wounded wrist
Figure: Antibacterial test (Disc diffusion method)-Observing zone of inhibition on gram negative bacteria (E.coli) and on gram positive bacteria (Streptococcus)