NUST Institutions Library Catalogue

For the development of complex multifunctional materials as advanced wound dressings for the
treatment of skin diseases, particularly chronic and infected wounds. By integrating cerium oxide
nanoparticles and thymol-based deep eutectic solvent hydrogels into a chitosan-gelatin matrix, the
study addresses pressing challenges in wound care, including antimicrobial resistance, limited drug
stability, and poor localization at wound sites. Engineered hydrogels provide sustained release of
active compounds, effectively disrupt biofilms from resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus
aureus and Escherichia coli, and deliver combined antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory effects. Laboratory evaluations demonstrated significant antibacterial activity,
enhanced biofilm inhibition, and improved healing potential compared to conventional therapies.
The results establish these materials as strong candidates for next generation wound dressings,
with future research focused on optimizing formulation stability and validating in vivo safety. This
work contributes to advancements in wound management by offering promising solutions for
minimizing antimicrobial resistance and enhancing healing outcomes in chronic skin infections.