Biodegradable zein–polydopamine polymeric scaffold impregnated with TiO ₂ nanoparticles for skin tissue engineering

Abstract

Polymers from renewable resources are attractive for various industrial and biomedical applications owing to their compatibility, degradability, ease of use and availability. Rapid progress in the development of nanotechnology has improved the characteristic features of polymers in composite materials by reinforcing the nanosized particulates during fabrication. In this study, we have attempted to incorporate metal oxide nanoparticles into polymeric nanofibers in order to enhance the overall properties of the composite scaffold. The thermal stability of a TiO nanoparticle-impregnated zein-polydopamine-based nanofibrous scaffold was investigated, and its potential as a suitable wound dressing material was demonstrated. Further, the influence of nanotopographic structure on improved adhesion, proliferation and migration of cells was ascertained through in vitro assays. The constructive results obtained were well corroborated with the in vivo excisional wound healing experiment. Thus, the competence of the prepared nanofibrous scaffold was examined both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated to be an alternative, cost-effective biomaterial for skin tissue engineering applications.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles as Biomedical Materials

“…Because not only ZnO NPs but also TiO 2 NPs are proven to participate in increased ROS production in bioenvironment, they were recently used in novel cutaneous would treatments. TiO 2 -impregnated biodegradable zein-polydopamine-based nano-fibrous scaffolds demonstrated better-quality adhesion, proliferation and relocation of cells during in vitro tests [138]. Bacterial cellulose (BC-temporary skin substitute) loaded TiO 2 nanocomposites (with inherent antimicrobial activity) were proved to participate in healing progression forming healthy granulation tissue and re-epithelization in deep partial-thickness burns in case of mice model [139].…”

Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing Based on Nature-Derived Polymers

“…However, similarly as in many other natural polymers, the application of pure zein nanofibers is limited because of poor mechanical properties of these fibers. Therefore, for skin tissue engineering and wound dressing applications, zein has been mixed with various synthetic and nature-derived polymers, such as polyurethane [161], PLA [162], PCL, hyaluronic acid, chitosan [163], and polydopamine [164], and impregnated with TiO 2 nanoparticles [164] or Ag nanoparticles [161] in order to enhance the antimicrobial activity of the scaffolds.…”

Nanomaterials as potential and versatile platform for next generation tissue engineering applications

“…Even if a small quantity of nanosized materials is incorporated into any other polymeric matrix, the performance of the resultant nanocomposites (in terms of mechanical and thermal stability) is improved to an unprecedented level . Nanocomposites, hydrogels, scaffolds, and dressings in various other forms have been prepared from different types of NMs such as inorganic, polymeric, carbon‐based, and solid lipid NMs for skin repair and regeneration due to their versatility, high surface area to volume ratio, great interaction with the biological target, ease of surface modification, high chance of penetration in the skin tissue, and ability to control physicochemical properties . Among the inorganic NMs used for wound healing, metal and metal oxide NPs (silver, gold, zinc, etc.)…”