Synergistic Effect of Incorporation of BG 45S5 and Silver Nanoparticles on beta-TCP Scaffolds: Structural Characterization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Biocompatibility

Author(s)

Spirandeli, B. R. ; Martins, E. F. ; Dona, L. R. M. ; Ribas, R. G. ; Campos, T. M. B. ; Esposito, E. ; Thim, G. P. ; Tada, D. B. ; Triches, E. S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS; v. 26, p. 12-pg., 2023-01-01.

Abstract

Bacterial infections after implant surgical procedures are a complication observed in many surgeries to treat bone injuries or diseases. Bacteria can attach to the surface of the implant producing biofilms, and if treatment with antibiotics does not work, further surgery is necessary to remove the infected implant. Among the biomaterials for bone implants, bioceramics based on calcium phosphates (CaPs) such as beta-TCP stand out, due to their chemical similarity with bone and high bioresorbability. beta-TCP has the characteristic of easily accommodating in its crystalline structure reasonable amounts of doping elements, such as monovalent and trivalent ions, which makes it an efficient transporter of drugs, molecules, and therapeutic ions The objective of this work was the incorporation of bioactive glass (BG 45S5) via sol-gel and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in beta-TCP scaffolds, aiming to confer antimicrobial activity to the scaffolds, without prejudice to biocompatibility. XRD and FT-IR analysis indicated structural changes after the incorporation of BG 45S5 and Ag-NPs in beta-TCP scaffolds, and these compounds induced the partial transformation of the beta-TCP phase into alpha-TCP phase and the formation of sodium-calcium silicates and silver silicates. The FT-IR spectra showed characteristic bands of alpha-TCP after incorporation, in addition to the predominant bands of beta-TCP. Biocompatibility after incorporation of BG 45S5 was improved, with a significant increase in cell viability. After the incorporation of Ag-NPs, cell viability was maintained at an acceptable level, no cytotoxic behavior was observed, and the scaffolds showed antibacterial and antifungal activity. The results indicate that BG 45S5 and the Ag-NPs incorporated showed a synergistic behavior, conferring antimicrobial activity to the scaffolds without compromising biocompatibility, showing great potential for applicability in tissue engineering. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/19594-4 - 3D pritting of bioactive and resorbable scaffolds by robocasting: synthesis, processing and antibacterial activity
• Grantee: Eliandra de Sousa Trichês
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants