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Physiochemical and bactericidal activity evaluation: Silver-augmented 3D-printed scaffolds-An in vitro study.
Vasudev Vivekanand Nayak1,2, Nick Tovar1,3, Jacques Henri Hacquebord4,5
1Department of Biomaterials, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA.
Summary
3D printed beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bone grafts augmented with silver (Ag) show antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. These novel Ag-augmented scaffolds promote osteoblast adhesion and proliferation, offering a promising solution for bone defect reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Autogenous bone grafting for critical-sized defects is prone to Staphylococcus aureus infections, increasing costs and impeding recovery.
- Current tissue transfer methods have limitations including donor site morbidity, cost, and operating time.
- Novel bone graft materials are needed to overcome these challenges and minimize infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize 3D printed beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds augmented with silver (Ag) for enhanced bone defect reconstruction.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy of these novel scaffolds against Staphylococcus aureus.
- To assess the potential of Ag-augmented scaffolds to promote osteoblast activity.
Main Methods:
- Scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing and augmented with silver nitrate (AgNO3) at varying concentrations.
- Characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ICP-MS, electron microscopy, TGA, and DSC.
- Biocompatibility was assessed using human osteoprogenitor (hOP) cells, and bactericidal capacity was tested against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus.
Main Results:
- Characterization confirmed the presence of Ag and phosphate groups, with altered Ca/P ratios at higher Ag concentrations.
- Lower Ag concentrations promoted osteoprogenitor cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity, while higher concentrations induced cytotoxicity.
- All Ag-augmented scaffolds demonstrated reduced colony-forming units (CFU) of S. aureus compared to pure β-TCP.
Conclusions:
- Beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds augmented with silver (Ag) ions exhibit significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus.
- These Ag-augmented scaffolds support osteoblast adhesion and proliferation, indicating potential for enhanced bone regeneration.
- 3D printed Ag-augmented β-TCP scaffolds represent a promising alternative for reconstructing bone defects, minimizing infection risk and improving patient outcomes.
