Use of Silver Nanoparticle–Gelatin/Alginate Scaffold to Repair Skull Defects

Yang Zhao,Zhenjin Zhao,Fan Liu,Mingyue Zhang,Bowen Zheng,Yi Liu,Jia He,Jun Liu

doi:10.3390/coatings10100948

Abstract

The major objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles– gelatin (AgNPs) on the physical and chemical properties of gelatin/alginate (Gel/Alg) scaffolds and the bone-promoting effect of AgNP–Gel/Alg scaffolds. Gel/Alg scaffolds consisting of 0 μM, 200 μM, 400 μM, and 600 μM AgNPs were prepared. SEM was used to evaluate the physical properties of the scaffolds. A CCK-8 assay was performed to determine the cell proliferation activity, and Micro-CT and histological analysis were used to assess the osteogenic effect. The pore size, porosity, and the water absorption and degradation rates of AgNP–Gel/Alg scaffolds were found to be increased compared with those of Gel/Alg scaffolds (control group). CCK-8 showed that cell proliferation activity in the 200 μM group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Micro-CT analysis showed that there was more new bone around AgNP–Gel/Alg than the control group, and the amount of bone formation in the 200 μM group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. Masson staining showed that numerous collagen fibers had proliferated around the AgNP–Gel/Alg scaffold and tended to thicken over time. AgNP–Gel/Alg scaffolds promoted the repair of skull defects in New Zealand rabbits and exerted a marked osteogenic effect in vivo. The 200 μM AgNP–Gel/Alg scaffold was shown to be more suitable for bone tissue engineering materials.

Highlights

In clinical practice, jaw defects or alveolar resorption caused by cysts of the jaw, tumors, trauma, and periodontal and endodontic disease are very common [1]
Because AgNPs may affect the chemical and physical properties of the scaffolds, such as pore size, porosity, in vitro enzymatic degradation, morphology, and swelling the scaffolds, such as pore size, porosity, in vitro enzymatic degradation, morphology, and swelling behavior, we observed the effects of AgNPs on these properties
The pore size in the scaffold behavior, we observed the effects of AgNPs on these properties

Summary

Introduction

Jaw defects or alveolar resorption caused by cysts of the jaw, tumors, trauma, and periodontal and endodontic disease are very common [1]. With the in-depth understanding, development and utilization of bone tissue engineering material, biomaterial has gradually become a new substitute for bone tissue, opening a new path for the treatment of related diseases. Because it naturally draws in material, induces a low- level immune response, and has great biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability, gelatin (Gel) has attracted wide attention [5]; it has demerits such as fast degradation and poor mechanical properties, and the pore diameter of a Gel scaffold is large. Gel/Alg scaffolds are widely used [7]

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