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Silver-containing antimicrobial membrane based on chitosan-TPP hydrogel for the treatment of wounds

  • Tissue Engineering Constructs and Cell Substrates
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Abstract

Treatment of non-healing wounds represents hitherto a severe dilemma because of their failure to heal caused by repeated tissue insults, bacteria contamination and altered physiological condition. This leads to face huge costs for the healthcare worldwide. To this end, the development of innovative biomaterials capable of preventing bacterial infection, of draining exudates and of favoring wound healing is very challenging. In this study, we exploit a novel technique based on the slow diffusion of tripolyphosphate for the preparation of macroscopic chitosan hydrogels to obtain soft pliable membranes which include antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stabilized by a lactose-modified chitosan (Chitlac). UV–Vis and TEM analyses demonstrated the time stability and the uniform distribution of AgNPs in the gelling mixture, while swelling studies indicated the hydrophilic behavior of membrane. A thorough investigation on bactericidal properties of the material pointed out the synergistic activity of chitosan and AgNPs to reduce the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa strains and to break apart mature biofilms. Finally, biocompatibility assays on keratinocytes and fibroblasts did not prove any harmful effects on the viability of cells. This novel technique enables the production of bioactive membranes with great potential for the treatment of non-healing wounds.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Regional Government (Project: “Nuovi biomateriali per terapie innovative nel trattamento delle ferite difficili”-LR 47/78). The financial support to P.S. (PhD position) by the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Regional Government and by the European Social Fund (S.H.A.R.M. project-Supporting human assets in research and mobility) is gratefully acknowledged. Miss Greta Galiussi and Dr. Renzo Menegazzi are thanked for their skillful assistance in the experimental part.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy

    Pasquale Sacco, Andrea Travan, Massimiliano Borgogna & Sergio Paoletti

  2. Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34129, Trieste, Italy

    Eleonora Marsich

Authors
  1. Pasquale Sacco
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  2. Andrea Travan
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  3. Massimiliano Borgogna
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  4. Sergio Paoletti
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  5. Eleonora Marsich
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Correspondence to Pasquale Sacco.

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Sacco, P., Travan, A., Borgogna, M. et al. Silver-containing antimicrobial membrane based on chitosan-TPP hydrogel for the treatment of wounds. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 26, 128 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-015-5474-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-015-5474-7

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