Characterization and biological evaluation of a novel silver nanoparticle-loaded collagen-chitosan dressing

Abstract

Effective coverage and protection is a priority in wound treatment. Collagen and chitosan have been widely used for wound dressings due to their excellent biological activity and biocompatibility. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a powerful antibacterial effect. In this study, a macromolecular and small-molecular collagen mixed solution, a macromolecular and small-molecular chitosan mixed solution were prepared, and a silver nanoparticle-loaded collagen-chitosan dressing (AgNP-CCD) has been proposed. First, the effects of a collagen-chitosan mixed solution on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the secretion of cytokines were evaluated. Then, the characteristics and antibacterial effects of the AgNP-CCD were tested, and the effects on wound healing and the influence of wound cytokine expression were investigated via a deep second-degree burn wound model. The results showed that at the proper proportion and concentration, the collagen-chitosan mixed solution effectively promoted cell proliferation and regulated the levels of growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], epidermal growth factor [EGF], platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF], transforming growth factor [TGF-β1], basic fibroblastic growth factor [bFGF]) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8). Moreover, AgNP solutions at lower concentrations exerted limited inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and had no effect on cytokine secretion. The AgNP-CCD demonstrated satisfactory morphological and physical properties as well as efficient antibacterial activities. An in vivo evaluation indicated that AgNP-CCD could accelerate the healing process of deep second-degree burn wounds and played an important role in the regulation of growth and inflammatory factors, including VEGF, EGFL-7, TGF-β1, bFGF, TNF-α and IL-1β. This AgNP-CCD exerted excellent biological effects on wound healing promotion and cytokine expression regulation.

Emerging Trends in Nanomaterials for Antibacterial Applications

“…Li et al showed that silver NP-loaded collagen chitosan (CS) dressing (AgNP-CCD) can yield excellent antibacterial effects and play a good role in the healing of a second-degree burns. 67 In that study, AgNP-CCD showed an antibacterial rate of ˃99% against E. coli, Sta. aureus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when the concentration of silver NPs exceeded 0.3 mg/cm 2 .…”

“…For example, ionic solutions/colloidal suspensions of metallic NPs of Ag, Cu, and Li were incorporated into some dental materials, and the resulting metal ions had an antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aures). 64 Other application include pit and fissure sealants designed with antibacterial properties, 65 wound healing, [66][67][68] implant technology, 69,70 improved disinfection materials, 71 eco-friendly design of NPs with antibacterial properties, 72 and antibacterial-Ag/plasma polymer nanocomposites for cotton fabrics, 73 among others. The antibacterial capabilities of Ag ions can be preserved while the harmful effect on biological environment is reduced by synthesizing Ag with hydroxyapatite from phosphorus-deficient precursors using carbonate substitution, Ag containing calcium phosphate, and Ag NPs carriers of hydroxyapatite powder.…”

An injectable metal nanoparticle containing cellulose derivative‐based hydrogels: Evaluation of antibacterial and in vitro‐vivo wound healing activity in children with burn injuries

“…On days 2 to 16, the number of blood vessels and reepithelialisation in the control and HMC‐HA hydrogel groups were low compared with the other hydrogel groups. On days 2 and 4, blood mixed HMC‐HA/AgNPs hydrogel treated skin showed significant neovascularization and fibroblast infiltration, 50 as well as partial dermal layer formation with collagen bundles on day 8 51 . The epithelial tissue was not entirely produced in the control and HMC‐HA hydrogel wounds after 16 days, and mature blood vessels and inflammatory cells were fairly evident.…”

The Kinetics of Chitosan Degradation in Organic Acid Solutions

“…The great interest in this polymer results from the properties of the polymer: biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, antimicrobial, and hydrating properties, which positively influence the wound healing process. Previous studies have shown that chitosan-based dressings can accelerate the repair of different tissues; facilitate the contraction of wounds; and regulate the secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin 8, prostaglandin E, interleukin 1 β, and others [ 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”