Antibacterial Activity and Biocompatibility of Ag-Montmorillonite/Chitosan Colloidal Dressing in a Skin Infection Rat Model: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Traditional dressings can only superficially cover the wound, they have widespread issues with inadequate bacterial isolation and liquid absorption, and it is simple to inflict secondary wound injury when changing dressings. Therefore, it is crucial for wound healing to develop a new kind of antimicrobial colloidal dressing with good antibacterial, hygroscopic, and biocompatible qualities. (2) Methods: Ag-montmorillonite/chitosan (Ag-MMT/CS) colloid, a new type of antibacterial material, was prepared from two eco-friendly materials—namely, montmorillonite and chitosan—as auxiliary materials, wherein these materials were mixed with the natural metal Ag, which is an antibacterial agent. The optimum preparation technology was explored, and Ag-MMT/CS was characterized. Next, Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common skin infection bacterium, was considered as the experimental strain, and the in vitro antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of the Ag-MMT/CS colloid were investigated through various experiments. Subsequently, a rat skin infection model was established to explore the in vivo antibacterial effect. (3) Results: In vitro studies revealed that the Ag-MMT/CS colloid had a good antibacterial effect on S. aureus, with an inhibition zone diameter of 18 mm and an antibacterial rate of 99.18%. After co-culture with cells for 24 h and 72 h, the cell survival rates were 88% and 94%, respectively. The cells showed normal growth and proliferation, and no evident dead cells were observed under the laser confocal microscope. After applying the colloid to the rat skin infection model, the Ag-MMT/CS treatment group exhibited faster wound healing and better local exudation and absorption in the wound than the control group, suggesting that the Ag-MMT/CS colloid exhibited a better antibacterial effect on the S. aureus. (4) Conclusions: Ag+, chitosan, and MMT present in the Ag-MMT/CS colloid dressing exert synergistic effects, and it has good antibacterial effects, cytocompatibility, and hygroscopicity, indicating that this colloid has the potential to become a next-generation clinical antibacterial dressing.