Facile and Low‐Cost Electrochemical Synthesis of Zinc Alginate Hydrogel Films for Biomedical Applications

• Published in: Applied organometallic chemistry 2024-12, Vol.38 (12), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Rupar, Jelena, Marković, Mihajlo, Božić, Dragana, Antić‐Stanković, Jelena, Mijailović, Nataša R., Gavrilov, Nemanja, Bajuk‐Bogdanović, Danica, Milojević‐Rakić, Maja, Janošević Ležaić, Aleksandra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alginates; Antioxidants; biomedical film; Biomedical materials; Chemical synthesis; Electrochemical analysis; electrochemical synthesis; hydrogel; Hydrogels; Leaching; Morphology; rivanol; Swelling; Zinc; Zn‐alginate
• ISSN: 0268-2605; 1099-0739
• DOI: 10.1002/aoc.7732

ABSTRACT Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of Zn‐alginate hydrogel films and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity are evaluated. Swelling properties, zinc concentration and spectroscopic and morphological features were characterized and related to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. These results indicate a dependence of swelling on the degree of cross‐linking, which, in turn, can be adjusted by manipulating the synthesis time, initial alginate concentration and/or zinc leaching. Hydrogel films with zinc showed remarkable antibacterial properties, especially against gram‐positive bacteria. The absence of Zn resulted in less inhibition of gram‐positive strains, although it had a positive effect on the inhibition of gram‐negative strains, which was attributed to the degradation of alginate chains, affecting cell metabolism. Nitrogen‐doped samples synthesized in rivanol‐containing solution exhibited globular morphology and higher antioxidant activity. The electrochemical synthesis enables the facile preparation of highly active alginate hydrogels for biomedical applications. Zn‐alginate hydrogel films were synthesized and characterized for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Swelling properties, zinc concentration, and morphological features were linked to antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Swelling depended on cross‐linking, which could be adjusted by synthesis time, alginate concentration, and zinc leaching. Zinc presence enhanced antibacterial activity, especially against gram‐positive bacteria, while absence affected gram‐negative strains. Nitrogen‐doped samples showed higher antioxidant activity. The electrochemical synthesis allows the preparation of active alginate hydrogels for biomedical applications.