Carbohydrate polymer-based silver nanocomposites: Recent progress in the antimicrobial wound dressings

[Display omitted] •Silver nanoparticles are widely used metal ions incorporated in wound dressings.•Silver nanoparticles have low toxicity for human cells and strong antimicrobial.•Polysaccharides have the ability to carry multiple bioactive compounds.•Polysaccharide-based materials are ideal dressings due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.•Polysaccharides have minimal cytotoxicity.•Polysaccharides carrying various functional groups to gain biologic and healing properties. Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process which affects the quality of life in patients and annually causes high costs for the health system, worldwide. Polymers from natural origins such as polysaccharides have gained particular interest between researchers for wound dressing applications due to their abundance in nature, biocompatibility with human tissues, and ideal physicochemical properties. Aside from their supportive effect in wound care, polysaccharides and their derivatives can actively contribute to the healing process. Silver nanoparticles are widely used noble metal nanoparticles incorporated in wound dressings due to their low toxicity for human cells, naturally availability, and strong antimicrobial effects. In the present study, we will review the most frequently used polysaccharides in wound dressing procedure with silver or silver nanoparticles accommodated. The methods of synthesis, physicochemical properties, healing efficiencies, toxicity against human tissues, antibacterial and antifungal effects of each material will also be discussed.