Synthesis, physicochemical characteristics, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of iron-doped biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles with incorporation of silver

Abstract

The application of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been widely explored due to its extensively documented multi-functionality. The present study attempts to synthesize a new type of BCP nanoparticles, characterised with favourable cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties via modifications in their structure, functionality and assemblage, using dopants. In this regard, this study initially synthesized iron-doped BCP (FB) nanoparticles with silver subsequently incorporated into FB nanoparticles to create a nanostructured composite (FBAg). The FB and FBAg nanoparticles were then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that silver was present in the FBAg nanoparticles, with a positive correlation observed between increasing AgNO3 concentrations and increasing shape irregularity and reduced particle size distribution. Additionally, cell culture tests revealed that both FB and FBAg nanoparticles were compatible with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). The antibacterial activity of the FBAg nanoparticles was also tested using Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus, and was found to be effective against both bacteria. The inhibition rates of FBAg nanoparticles against E. coli and S. aureus were 33.78 ± 1.69–59.03 ± 2.95%, and 68.48 ± 4.11–89.09 ± 5.35%, respectively. These findings suggest that the FBAg nanoparticles have potential use in future biomedical applications.