A Sustainable, Green-Processed, Ag-Nanoparticle-Incorporated Eggshell-Derived Biomaterial for Wound-Healing Applications

Abstract

The eggshell membrane (ESM) is a natural biomaterial with unique physical and mechanical properties that make it a promising candidate for wound-healing applications. However, the ESM’s inherent properties can be enhanced through incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. In this study, commercially produced AgNPs and green-processed AgNPs were incorporated into ESM and evaluated for their physical, biological, and antimicrobial properties for potential dermal application. The ESM was extracted using various techniques, and then treated with either commercially produced AgNPs (Sigma-Aldrich, Poole, UK) or green-synthesized AgNPs (Metalchemy, London, UK) to produce AgNPs-ESM samples. The physical characteristics of the samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the biological properties were assessed through in vitro studies using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and BJ cells. The SEM analysis of the AgNPs-ESM samples showed localization of AgNPs on the ESM surface, and that the ESM maintained its structural integrity following AgNP incorporation. The FTIR confirmed loading of AgNPs to ESM samples. The biological studies showed that the 5 μg/mL AgNPs-ESM samples were highly biocompatible with both HDFs and BJ cells, and had good viability and proliferation rates. Additionally, the AgNPs-ESM samples demonstrated pro-angiogenic properties in the CAM assay, indicating their potential for promoting new blood vessel growth. Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of the enhanced AgNPs/ESMs was validated using the International Standard ISO 16869:2008 methodology and exploited Cladosporium, which is one of the most commonly identified fungi in wounds, as the test microorganism (≥5 × 106 cells/mL). The AgNPs-ESM samples displayed promising antimicrobial efficacy as evidenced by the measured zone of inhibition. Notably, the green-synthesized AgNPs demonstrated greater zones of inhibition (~17 times larger) compared to commercially available AgNPs (Sigma-Aldrich). Although both types of AgNP exhibited long-term stability, the Metalchemy-modified samples demonstrated a slightly stronger inhibitory effect. Overall, the AgNPs-ESM samples developed in this study exhibited desirable physical, biological, and antimicrobial properties for potential dermal wound-dressing applications. The use of green-processed AgNPs in the fabrication of the AgNPs-ESM samples highlights the potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly wound-healing therapies. Further research is required to assess the long-term biocompatibility and effectiveness of these biomaterials in vivo.

Medical Applications of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Core‐Shell Nanostructures Based on Silver or Gold Core: Recent Progress and Innovations

“…[108] The same properties were confirmed by Tian et al, whose research confirmed the reduction of fibrogenic cytokines that initiate inflammation in the wound, [109] or Mensah et al, who combined Ag NPs into one material with eggshell membrane, the developed material, due to its properties, can be used as a potential skin dressing used in the treatment of wounds. [110] Another example of a nanocomposite that has a place as a potential wound-healing accelerator is chitosan and Ag NPs (Chi/Ag-NP). Studies to confirm the above use were carried out on the human fibroblast cell line.…”

Silver Bionanocomposites as Active Food Packaging: Recent Advances & Future Trends Tackling the Food Waste Crisis

“…While chemical and physical methods required toxic reducing and stabilising agents, biological "green" procedures only involve the use of natural and eco-friendly stabilising and reducing agents [77], which confer higher stability and unique biocompatibility key aspects during the bionanocomposites' biodegradation process [108]. Their enhanced stability avoids particle aggregation and the loss of colloidal behaviour responsible for their possible toxicity in the environment, contributing to AgNPs' positive effects on plants and lower toxicity [119,120]. Moreover, non-biodegradable stabilizing agents commonly exploited through chemical and physical methods may enhance the AgNPs' environmental toxicity, supporting the necessity of the development of green methods for metallic nanoparticles [121].…”

Advancing Food Preservation: Sustainable Green-AgNPs Bionanocomposites in Paper-Starch Flexible Packaging for Prolonged Shelf Life

“…This innovative approach holds great potential for advancing materials with improved antimicrobial characteristics and expanded versatility. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in particular, have gained attention for their strong antimicrobial properties [28][29][30][31]. These nanoparticles exhibit a high surface area and unique physicochemical characteristics that enable them to effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms in food, such as Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, when incorporated into packaging materials ranging from rigid plastics polyethylene (PET) [32], flexible low-density polyethylene (LDPE) [33], paper-based materials, and biopolymers [34].…”