Stem Cell Seeded and Silver Nanoparticles Loaded Bilayer PLGA/PVA Dressings for Wound Healing

Antibacterial activity and promoting wound healing are two important characteristics of ideal dressings. The previous work has successfully prepared a stem cell seeded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel dressing, which could promote wound healing by active factors secreted from the dressing. However, a lack of antibacterial activity might limit its better application. In this study, a photo-active gelatin (Az-Gel) modified stem cell seeded bilayer PVA hydrogel dressings with silver nanoparticles loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospinning films (Ag-PLGA) in it is prepared. The physical properties of the dressings show the dressings are mechanically enhanced by the addition of Ag-PLGA film. The addition of Ag-PLGA film does not alter the moisture content of PVA, but extends the moisture of the dressing. Obviously, antibacterial activity is observed and Ag-PLGA/PVA scaffold is biocompatible and low toxic to murine dermal fibroblasts (NIH-3T3). When seeded with Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), bioactive factors secreted by ADSCs could penetrate the dressing and promote cell growth and wound healing. It is speculated that the stem cells seeded bilayer dressing would be of great potential for skin tissue engineering, because of its antibacterial activity and safe application of stem cells.