The wound healing effect of the green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles: A study on mice

The extract of fig fruit has shown significant medical usefulness in various fields. The entrance of nanotechnology into the field of medicinal and pharmacology has shown remarkable advantages. Plants contain diverse molecules thatcan reduce metals, and provide a safe, eco-friendly approach for synthesizing nanoparticles. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been reported to possess an antimicrobial effect against some strains of bacteria and moulds. We have aimed to synthesize IONPs from fig fruit extract and investigate the influence of fig extract and IONPs in wound healing of mice. UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the IONPs that were produced. The UV-Vis spectrum has indicated a maximum absorbance of around 400 nm, which is characterized by IONPs. The XRD examination has indicated the formation of α-Fe₂O₃ NPs, while the morphological examination by FESEM indicated the presence of aggregated rough IONPs. Then, 15 mice were divided into three groups equally; control, fig extract treated, and IONPs treated mice. Mice treated with fig extract or IONPs have shown obvious improvement after 5 days compared to control. On the 14^th day, almost complete healing was observed in mice treated with fig fruit extract or IONPs. In conclusion, the possibility of using plants and NPs as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents would provide a great advancement in the administration of mild skin injuries.