Biocompatible agarose-chitosan coated silver nanoparticle composite for soft tissue engineering applications
Nupur Kumar1, Dayananda Desagani2, Girish Chandran3
1a Department of Biological Science , BITS-Pilani, K.K Birla Goa Campus , Zuarinagar , India.
Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology
|June 23, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel biopolymer nanocomposite scaffold using chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles and agarose. This advanced material enhances cell growth and offers broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, addressing the critical need for tissue engineering substitutes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- A significant gap exists between organ demand and supply for transplantation.
- Tissue engineering offers a promising solution by creating functional scaffolds for organ repair or replacement.
- Nanoparticle-based composites are increasingly utilized in tissue engineering to improve cell attachment and proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel agarose composite scaffold embedded with chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the synthesized nanocomposite scaffold for soft tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of agarose composites with chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles using glutaraldehyde cross-linking.
- Characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM, and DMA.
- In vitro assessment of cell viability, degradation, antibacterial activity, and hemocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles within the agarose scaffold was confirmed.
- The nanocomposite scaffolds exhibited enhanced mechanical strength and a degradation rate of approximately 37% over four weeks.
- Demonstrated superior in vitro cell viability, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and hemocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- A novel biopolymer-based nanocomposite scaffold was successfully synthesized.
- The scaffold possesses enhanced biocompatibility and increased surface area, making it suitable for soft tissue engineering.
- The material shows significant potential for addressing the organ shortage through advanced tissue engineering strategies.
