Abstract
Wound dressings should maintain a moist environment, eliminate excess exudate, protect against infection, and accelerate the healing process. This study synthesized and characterized magnesium metal–organic framework (Mg@MOF) powders and incorporated them into chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) and curcumin (Cur) wound dressings. FTIR, XRD, FESEM, and EDS analyses confirmed Mg@MOF synthesis. The obtained results indicated a crystalline structure and showed nanoparticle aggregation with hexagonal structures magnesium is its primary element. CS/SA/Mg@MOF and CS/SA/Mg@MOF/Cur dressings indicated polyelectrolyte complex formation, with Cur addition introducing new functional groups. The crystallinity increased in Mg@MOF dressings, while Cur reduced crystallinity due to polymer interactions. The surface protrusions were created from Mg@MOF, and smoothness improved with Cur. Mechanical testing indicated Mg@MOF reduced tensile strength and elastic modulus from 40 ± 2 to 30 ± 1.5 MPa, and from 22 ± 1 to 18 ± 0.9 MPa, respectively, due to particle agglomeration, but Cur addition increased tensile strength significantly due to dense cross-links. The weight loss studies showed faster degradation for Cur-containing dressings, attributed to porosity and acidic pH. Cur-release was highest in CS/SA/5 Mg@MOF/Cur dressings and matched with Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, indicating diffusion is the main release mechanism for the prepared wound dressings. Cell viability tests indicated Cur enhanced viability further. Additionally, all dressings exhibited excellent activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Overall, CS/SA/Mg@MOF/Cur dressings showed potential for wound healing, combining favorable mechanical properties, degradation rates, cell compatibility, and antibacterial activity.
