Novel nanocomposites consisting of genipin-crosslinked chitosan (GC), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), zinc
oxide (ZnO), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were prepared for biomedical applications as the woundhealing
materials. Various amounts of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles were dispersed in the GC/PEG hydrogel
matrix without severe aggregation. The effects of composition and ZnO nanoparticles on the physicochemical
properties of nanocomposite samples were evaluated by infrared analysis, X-ray diffraction,
and scanning electron microscopy. GC/PEG/ZnO/Ag nanocomposite showed the pH-sensitive swelling
behavior and the improved mechanical properties. The antibacterial activities of nanocomposite films
were tested toward the bacterial species Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus,
and Bacillus subtilis. GC/PEG/ZnO/Ag composite films had higher antibacterial activities than GC/PEG and
GC/PEG/ZnO nanocomposite films. GC/PEG/ZnO/Ag composite films have potential application as wound
and burn dressings.