In vitro biomineralization potential in simulated wound fluid and antibacterial efficacy of biologically-active glass nanoparticles containing B2O3/ZnO

Abstract

In the present study, SiO2-CaO-B2O3-ZnO (SCBZ), SiO2-CaO-B2O3 (SCB), SiO2-CaO-ZnO (SCZ) and SiO2-CaO (SC) silicate-based glasses were synthesized by the sol-gel method to elucidate the influence of B2O3 and ZnO substitution on glass characteristics aiming to further use in wound healing applications. The amorphous nature, spherical-shaped morphology and nano-sized primary particles of glasses were revealed by XRD and SEM analysis. Moreover, investigating the antibacterial activity of glasses against E.coli and S.aureus bacteria indicated the improved antibacterial properties of SCBZ glass against both bacterial strains compared with SCB and SCZ glasses. Assessment of ion release revealed that the incorporation of zinc induces a more stable glass network with a lower tendency to dissolution contrary to the incorporation of boron, which facilitated the dissolution of glass by the formation of more reactive SiOB and BO bonds. Glasses were immersed in Simulated Wound Fluid (SWF) to predict their mineralization susceptibility. Morphological studies and FTIR analysis showed the formation of cauliflower-like hydroxy-carbonated apatite on the surface of SCB and SC glasses after 14 days. In contrast, the presence of Zn in SCBZ and SCZ glasses inhibited the formation of crystalline apatite and induced the deposition of spherical-shaped amorphous apatite. Our study suggests that the co-incorporation of B and Zn in SCBZ glass make this material a potential multifunctional candidate for accelerating the healing of skin wounds.