Effect of differently coated silver nanoparticles on hemostasis

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Hematology

Background:

• Nano-enabled medical devices (MDs) require rigorous safety evaluation, particularly hemocompatibility for blood-contacting applications.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in MDs for their antimicrobial properties, but their effects on hemostasis are not fully understood.
• Hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding, is critical for the safety and efficacy of blood-contacting MDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate the hemostatic effects of differently stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in human blood.
• To assess the impact of various coating agents (AOT, PVP, PLL, BSA) on AgNP-induced hemostatic alterations.
• To determine the dose-dependent effects of AgNPs on hemolysis, platelet aggregation, coagulation, and whole blood hemostasis.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of AgNPs stabilized with AOT, PVP, PLL, and BSA.
• In vitro testing of hemolytic activity, platelet aggregation, and plasmatic coagulation.
• Assessment of thrombin generation and hemostasis in whole blood using clinically relevant techniques.
• Evaluation of dose-dependent responses for all tested parameters.

Main Results:

• All tested AgNPs exhibited dose-dependent hemolytic activity.
• AgNPs coated with BSA, AOT, and PVP generally delayed plasmatic coagulation.
• Poly-L-lysine (PLL)-coated AgNPs significantly inhibited plasmatic coagulation, induced platelet activation, and impaired whole blood hemostasis, reducing clotting time and clot firmness.

Conclusions:

• The hemostatic effects of AgNPs are dependent on their coating agents and concentration.
• PLL-coated AgNPs pose a significant risk to hemostasis, necessitating careful consideration for their use in medical devices.
• Standardized protocols and a combination of techniques are crucial for reliable hemocompatibility assessment of nanomaterials in medical devices.