Abstract

In this study, a bio-composite conduit containing nano bioglass/gelatin/nanosilver particles (nBG/Gel/nAg) was developed by freeze-drying technique, for peripheral nerve regeneration. The present study aimed to develop nBG/Gel conduits enhanced with nanosilver to connect the two separated neural ends for peripheral nerve regeneration and decrease of the infection risk in particular with resistant nosocomial stains. First, the BG nanoparticles were synthesised via sol-gel method and characterised using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology and pore size of the nanocomposite were investigated through scanning electron microscopy and EDX analysis was used to determine the amount of energy for each element available in the conduit. Antibacterial properties were determined by (S. aureus) gram-positive and (E. coli) gram-negative bacterial strains by soaking the conduits in 2 x 10(-4) mu L to 9 x 10(-4) mu L of the colloidal nanosilver solution. Biocompatibility was assessed by MTT assay, which showed that nanosilver toxicity of all concentrations is not significant compared to the control. According to the results, 7 x 10(-4) mu L AgNs had the lowest cytotoxicity effect and the most antibacterial activity. Thus, these results suggest that nBG/Gel/nAg conduits have the potential of controlling scaffold-associated bacterial infection during nerve regeneration.