Carbohydrate polymer-based silver nanocomposites: Recent progress in the antimicrobial wound dressings

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process which affects the quality of life in patients and annually causes
high costs for the health system, worldwide. Polymers from natural origins such as polysaccharides have gained
particular interest between researchers for wound dressing applications due to their abundance in nature,
biocompatibility with human tissues, and ideal physicochemical properties. Aside from their supportive effect in
wound care, polysaccharides and their derivatives can actively contribute to the healing process. Silver nano-
particles are widely used noble metal nanoparticles incorporated in wound dressings due to their low toxicity for
human cells, naturally availability, and strong antimicrobial effects. In the present study, we will review the
most frequently used polysaccharides in wound dressing procedure with silver or silver nanoparticles accom-
modated. The methods of synthesis, physicochemical properties, healing efficiencies, toxicity against human
tissues, antibacterial and antifungal effects of each material will also be discussed.