Synthesis and characterization of a collagen-based composite material containing selenium nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to bone tissue engineering.
• Collagen is a key bone extracellular matrix component, and selenium has antimicrobial and bone health benefits.
• Developing effective antimicrobial strategies is crucial for bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a collagen-based composite material incorporating selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with antimicrobial properties.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity of the novel collagen/SeNPs composite.
• To assess the potential of collagen/SeNPs in preventing biofilm formation on 3D-printed bone scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs).
• Incorporation of SeNPs into collagen gels to form collagen/SeNPs composite.
• Comprehensive material characterization (e.g., ICP-MS, XRD, FTIR, microscopy, DSC).
• Cytotoxicity testing on MRC-5 cells.
• Antibacterial assays against Gram-positive strains and Candida albicans.
• Fabrication and coating of 3D-β-tricalcium phosphate (3D-TCP) scaffolds with SeNPs or collagen/SeNPs.
• Biofilm formation assays on coated and uncoated scaffolds.

Main Results:

• The collagen/SeNPs composite was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Collagen/SeNPs exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to SeNPs alone.
• Significant antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans.
• Coating of 3D-TCP scaffolds with collagen/SeNPs significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

• The developed collagen/SeNPs composite material shows promise as an antimicrobial agent for bone tissue engineering.
• This material can effectively inhibit the growth of common orthopedic infection pathogens.
• Collagen/SeNPs coated scaffolds offer a strategy to combat biofilm formation in bone defect treatments.