title: Nanocomposites of genipin-crosslinked chitosan/silver nanoparticles--structural reinforcement and antimicrobial properties.
abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of a novel nanocomposite (GC/Ag) of a genipin-crosslinked chitosan (GC) film in which was embedded various amounts of Ag nanoparticles for wound-dressing applications. In situ UV-vis results revealed that adding chitosan solution did not affect the characteristics of Ag nanoparticles. The water uptake ratios and surface hydrophilicity of the GC/Ag nanocomposite were better and the degradation rates slightly lower than those of the pure GC film. The presence of Ag nanoparticles enhanced L929 cell attachment and growth. Its function as an anti-microbial agent in a GC/Ag nanocomposite was assessed for Ag contents of over 100 ppm. In conclusion, silver ions had dual functions--structural reinforcement and provision of antimicrobial properties to a biocompatible polymer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Science, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan. bsliu@ctust.edu.tw
authors.forename: Bai-Shuan
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Tsung-Bin
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002452:Cell Count; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D057889:Iridoid Glycosides; D039823:Iridoids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000187:drug effects; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D057889:Iridoid Glycosides; D039823:Iridoids; D014867:Water; D012834:Silver; D048271:Chitosan; C007834:genipin; D009113:Muramidase