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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Functionalising silk hydrogels with hetero- and homotypic nanoparticles
Jirada Kaewchuchuen1, Saphia A L Matthew1, Suttinee Phuagkhaopong1,2
1Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde 161 Cathedral Street Glasgow G4 0RE UK.
RSC Advances
|January 23, 2024
Summary
This study introduces novel composite silk hydrogels incorporating silk nanoparticles. These advanced materials demonstrate tunable mechanics and enhanced cell proliferation, paving the way for improved biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Silk hydrogels are widely reported, but composite structures with silk nanoparticles remain underexplored.
- The impact of homotypic and heterotypic silk nanoparticles on hydrogel mechanics and cell interactions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of composite silk hydrogels using silk nanoparticles (homotypic and heterotypic).
- To explore the tuning of material mechanics and cell adhesion for controlled cell-material interfaces.
- To compare the effects of silica, Bombyx mori silk, and Antheraea mylitta (tasar) silk nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of physically cross-linked Bombyx mori silk hydrogels with varying nanoparticle concentrations (0.05% and 0.5% w/v).
- Inclusion of silica, Bombyx mori silk, or tasar silk nanoparticles (100-150 nm).
- Characterization of initial modulus (stiffness) and stress relaxation behavior.
- Assessment of cell attachment and proliferation on nanoparticle-modified hydrogels.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle inclusion resulted in faster stress relaxation in silk hydrogels compared to controls.
- Higher concentrations of Bombyx mori silk and silica nanoparticles slowed stress relaxation.
- Tasar silk nanoparticles exhibited an opposite trend, accelerating stress relaxation with increasing concentration.
- Cell attachment was comparable across all hydrogels, but cell proliferation improved significantly in nanoparticle-modified hydrogels within 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates the successful manufacture and utilization of homotypic and heterotropic silk hydrogels.
- Highlights the potential of incorporating silk nanoparticles to modulate hydrogel mechanical properties.
- Suggests nanoparticle-modified silk hydrogels can enhance early-stage cell proliferation for biomaterial applications.
