Biocompatible agarose-chitosan coated silver nanoparticle composite for soft tissue engineering applications

Abstract

With increasing gap in the demand and supply of vital organs for transplantation there is a pressing need to bridge the gap with substitutes. One way to make substitutes is by tissue engineering which involves combining several types of synthetic or biomaterials, cells and growth factors cross-linked together to synthesize a functional scaffold for repair or replacement of non-functional organs. Nanoparticle based composites are gaining importance in tissue engineering due to their ability to enhance cell attachment and proliferation. The current study focuses on synthesizing agarose composites embedded with chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles using glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker. The synthesis of chitosan coated silver nanoparticles within the scaffold was confirmed with UV-visible spectroscopy. Physical and chemical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles were done by XRD, FTIR, TGA and SEM. DMA showed higher mechanical strength of the scaffolds. The scaffolds showed degradation of ∼37% within a span of four weeks. The higher physical support provided by the synthesized scaffolds was shown by in-vitro cell viability assay. Broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity and superior hemocompatibility further showed the advantage it offered for growing cells. Thus a biopolymer based nanocomposite was synthesized, with intended widespread use as scaffold for engineering of soft tissues due to its enhanced biocompatibility and greater surface area for cell growth.

Potential antibacterial mechanism of silver nanoparticles and the optimization of orthopedic implants by advanced modification technologies

“…Moreover, it also showed good biocompatibility to several cell lines and benefits for cell sustained growth. 20 These studies suggest that CS is a good material for surface modification of AgNPs. Except CS, there are many other biomolecules that can be used in combination with AgNPs for surface functionalization.…”

“…18 Furthermore, recent studies have proven that surface modifications with biomolecules, polymers, or metal ions are effective strategies that can also fulfill this mission. [19][20][21] In this review, we discuss the antibacterial mechanisms and antibiofilm activity of AgNPs, which are the fundamental of implants application. The disputed cellular effects of AgNPs on osteogenesis-related cells are discussed, and some advice for implants designed are provided.…”

Characterization, antibacterial, total antioxidant, scavenging, reducing power and ion chelating activities of green synthesized silver, copper and titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Artemisia haussknechtii leaf extract

“…In this way, there are the different preparation methods in the synthesis of metallic NPs from several materials [4]. Today, the way of NP synthesis with a small size is important part of nanotechnology function [5]. There are several ways for NPs synthesis such as chemical, physical, biological and enzymatic methods.…”

Application of Metal Nanoparticle–Hydrogel Composites in Tissue Regeneration

“…The mechanical strength of the scaffold fell within the range of native soft tissues, and it has provided sustained cell growth of HeLa, MiaPaCa2, and HEK cells. In addition, broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity and high hemocompatibility were reported [72].…”