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

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.