Rapid and Eco‐Friendly Preparation of Antibacterial Gauze by Alkali‐Acid Redeposition of Quercetin on Gauze Fiber and Subsequent Ultraviolet‐Assisted Reduction of Silver In Situ

Abstract

Abstract Rapid and eco‐friendly preparation of biomedical materials is significant for practical applications. This study proposes a simple two‐step method for preparing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)‐functionalized gauze dressings (Ag‐Q‐G) with antibacterial activity in a green and time‐efficient manner that requires <10 min. A smooth and uniform quercetin coating is formed on the gauze fibers using alkali–acid redeposition for 10 s. Subsequently, AgNPs are rapidly formed (in 5 min) and firmly deposited on the quercetin‐coated gauze by ultraviolet irradiation in an AgNO3 solution. The in vitro results indicate that Ag–Q–G exhibits excellent antibacterial activity, with a rate of 99.57% ± 0.52% against Staphylococcus aureus and 95.59% ± 1.50% against Escherichia coli, while maintaining acceptable cytocompatibility. An animal study reveals that Ag‐Q‐G reduces infection and promotes wound healing in a rat dorsal total cortical wound model. This approach provides a practical option for the commercial production of antibacterial gauze dressings.

Keywords

• AgNPs
• Antibacterial gauze
• Eco‐friendly
• Quercetin coating