Influence of silver nanoparticles on post-surgical wound healing following topical application

Abstract

Background: Prevention of surgical site infection and wound dehiscence are imperative and also challenging in clinical practice. This study examines the healing response of laparotomy wounds following application of silver nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: Dermal fibroblasts were exposed to incremential doses of silver nanoparticles and its effect on collagen synthesis and cytotoxicity was assessed. Laparotomy surgery was performed on rabbits and the operation site was treated topically either with silver nanoparticle once, or once daily for 14 days or with vehicle. Healing response and local tissue reaction was evaluated clinically by histopathology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); microbial load on the operation site was assessed. Clinical tests and histopathology were performed to assess systemic toxicity. Results: Silver nanoparticles increased collagen expression from dermal fibroblasts and longer time exposure increased caspase 3 expression and produced cyotoxic effect with an IC 50 of 0.16 mg/mL. Daily treatment of operation sites resulted in increased collagen deposition and improved wound healing, microbial load was reduced. Although a sub dermal edema was evident in histopatho logy, SEM showed normal architecture of cells with infiltration of lymphocytes. There was no systemic toxicity.

Biomedical Applications of Silver Nanoparticles: An Up-to-Date Overview

“…Wound infections represent an important clinical challenge, with major impact on patient morbidity and mortality and notable economic implications [ 166 ]. Preventing wound dehiscence and surgical-site infection are challenging and essential aspects in current clinical practice [ 167 ]. The skin is the most extensive and one of the most complex organs in the human body, but it can be easily affected by different harmful external factors [ 168 ].…”

Silver nanoparticles: Synthesis, medical applications and biosafety

“…In addition, AgNPs can induce tumor cell apoptosis through inactivating proteins and regulating signaling pathways, or blocking tumor cell metastasis by inhibiting angiogenesis within lesion 31 , 161 . Besides antimicrobial and anticancer properties, AgNPs can also be used in other medical applications, such as bone repair 162 and wounding repair 163 . And AgNPs can be regarded as an additive in dental materials or an adjuvant in vaccine.…”

“…Some studies prove that AgNPs can induce the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, decrease the amounts of collagen and hydroxyproline, and promote the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which may help wound early adhesion, contraction and closure 290 . Besides, AgNPs can promote wound healing by regulating the production of cytokines or proteins, such as inflammatory cytokines, VEGF and MMPs 163 , 291 . The above studies of AgNPs on wound repair broaden our understanding of the activity of AgNPs in cellular events.…”

Fabrication of sliver nanoparticles/polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin ternary nanofiber mats for wound healing application

“…In the current work, no signs of dermal toxicity were observed, upon the addition of AgNPs on the wound of NF-AgNPs or AgNPs groups. 45 As well, the absence of any allergic reaction after application of the NF scaffolds (with/without AgNPs) supported their biocompatibility and the non-toxic effect of the polymers used in their fabrication.…”