Speakers - 2026

Title: Sodium alginate hydrogels embedded with copper co crystals and zinc oxide nanoparticles for advanced wound healing applications

Abstract

The study addresses the limitations of conventional wound healing treatments by developing a multifunctional sodium alginate hydrogel incorporating copper-based co-crystals and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Chronic and acute wounds often face challenges of poor drug solubility, low bioavailability, and unstable wound conditions, which hinder effective healing. In this work, copper co-crystals were synthesized and embedded into a sodium alginate matrix, entrapping ZnO nanoparticles to improve physicochemical stability and therapeutic performance. The hydrogel exhibited a nanofibrous morphology, enhanced structural stability, and notable self-healing and viscoelastic properties. Biocompatibility assessment using A549 fibroblast cells revealed excellent cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, the system markedly upregulated angiogenic growth factors such as VEGF, FGF2, and EGFR, indicative of improved regeneration potential. Scratch assay results demonstrated faster fibroblast migration and wound closure compared to control samples. The synergistic effects of copper co-crystals and ZnO nanoparticles significantly enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and angiogenesis within the hydrogel matrix. Overall, this co-crystal- loaded alginate hydrogel offers a promising and effective platform for accelerating tissue repair and promoting vascularized wound healing, representing a substantial advancement over conventional wound care approaches.