Abstract The search for new materials for biomedical
applications is extremely important. Here, we
present results on the performance of a silver nanoparticles
delivery system using natural rubber latex
(NRL) as the polymeric matrix. Our aim was to obtain
an optimized wound dressing by combining materials
with potential healing action. The synthesis of silver
nanoparticles and their characterization by UV–Vis
spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta
potential, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are depicted. The
NRL membranes are good matrix for silver nanoparticles
and allow for their gradual release. The release
of 30 nm silver nanoparticles by the NRL membranes
depends on their mass percentage in NRL membranes.
The total concentration of AgNP released by the NRL
membranes was calculated. The AgNP attached to the
cis-isoprene molecules in the NRL matrix remain
attached to the membrane (*0.1 % w/w). So, only the
AgNP bound to the non-rubber molecules are released.
FTIR spectra suggest that non-rubber molecules, like
aminoacids and proteins, associated with the serum
fraction of the NRL may be attached to the surfaces of
the released nanoparticles, thereby increasing the
release of such molecules. The released silver nanoparticles
are sterically stabilized, more stable and well
dispersed. Because the serum fraction of the NRL is
responsible for the angiogenic properties of the matrix,
the silver nanoparticles could increment the angiogenic
properties of NRL. This biomaterial has desirable
properties for the fabrication of a wound dressing
with potential healing action, since it combines the
angiogenic and antibacterial properties of the silver
nanoparticles with the increased angiogenic properties
of the NRL.