Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Exhibit Favorable Properties to Promote Tissue Integration of Biomaterials.

Simone Mendler,Juergen Brieger,Nadine Wiesmann,Ulrike Ritz,Peer W. Kämmerer,Christoph R. Buhr

doi:10.3390/biomedicines9101462

Abstract

Due to the demographic change, medicine faces a growing demand for tissue engineering solutions and implants. Often, satisfying tissue regeneration is difficult to achieve especially when co-morbidities hamper the healing process. As a novel strategy, we propose the incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into biomaterials to improve tissue regeneration. Due to their wide range of biocompatibility and their antibacterial properties, ZnO NPs are already discussed for different medical applications. As there are versatile possibilities of modifying their form, size, and function, they are becoming increasingly attractive for tissue engineering. In our study, in addition to antibacterial effects of ZnO NPs, we show for the first time that ZnO NPs can foster the metabolic activity of fibroblasts as well as endothelial cells, both cell types being crucial for successful implant integration. With the gelatin sponge method performed on the chicken embryo’s chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), we furthermore confirmed the high biocompatibility of ZnO NPs. In summary, we found ZnO NPs to have very favorable properties for the modification of biomaterials. Here, incorporation of ZnO NPs could help to guide the tissue reaction and promote complication-free healing.

Highlights

In modern medicine, the demand for various biomaterials, such as bone or soft tissue replacements, is increasing continuously
We propose that a combination of antibacterial properties and the promotion of fibroblasts and endothelial cells could positively influence the prevention of post-implantation infections and the promotion of tissue integration of the implant material
We could observe that in the concentration range in which we saw an increase in metabolic activity there was no significant increase in apoptotic, necrotic, or dead cells detectable compared with untreated control cells

Summary

Introduction

The demand for various biomaterials, such as bone or soft tissue replacements, is increasing continuously. Long-term stability of the biomaterial must be ensured to achieve successful function and regeneration It has been known for a long time that a material’s surface and structure are of pivotal importance for ensuring good tissue integration [1,2,3,4,5,6], and, different sites and stability issues must be addressed. In this context, nanotechnology has opened new possibilities for actively designing the desired tissue reaction. Unfavorable tissue reactions to the foreign material and the risk of infection of the transplanted or implanted biomaterial are still major issues

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion