Abstract
Lesions can affect skin functions and cause a simple issue, such as dehydration, or more challenging complications, such as bacterial infections. The purpose of this study was to design composites for topical application that can prevent and/or assist in bacterial infections and support cell regeneration using natural components. A polyphenolic extract obtained from Salvia officinalis was embedded in functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for better stability, followed by their distribution into a collagen porous scaffold. The resulting polyphenols-loaded MSN exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and good cytocompatibility. Improved thermal stability of the collagen porous scaffold was obtained due to the presence of the functionalized MSN. For the first time, collagen-polyphenols-loaded silica composites were reported in the literature as potential wound dressings. The newly developed composites showed excellent sterility.