Surface-Modified Ni Nanoparticles for Enhanced Bacteria-Infected Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to human health.
• Nickel exhibits potent antibacterial properties with a low risk of resistance induction.
• Nickel nanoparticles are explored as a novel material for preventing wound infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of surface-modified nickel nanoparticles against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (MRSA) bacteria.
• To assess the impact of nickel nanoparticles on wound healing in a mouse model.
• To determine the biosafety profile of nickel nanoparticles through tissue and blood analysis.

Main Methods:

• Nickel nanoparticles were modified using isopropanol.
• Antibacterial activity was tested using the dilution coating plate method.
• A mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds was used to evaluate healing, with subsequent tissue, organ, and blood analyses.

Main Results:

• Nickel nanoparticles demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial effects, inhibiting >90% of bacteria at 200 μg/mL.
• High concentrations of nickel nanoparticles significantly accelerated wound healing, showing rates of 92.7% and 97.4% by days 5 and 7.
• Histological analysis revealed increased collagen and thinner epithelial layers in treated wounds, with no significant organ damage or adverse blood biochemical changes.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified nickel nanoparticles possess excellent antibacterial properties and high biosafety.
• These nanoparticles effectively eliminate bacteria in wound environments, promoting accelerated healing of infected wounds.
• Nickel nanoparticles represent a promising therapeutic agent for managing bacterial wound infections and combating antibiotic resistance.