Research Summary
Green, porous, and eco-friendly scaffolds have been recognized as potent candidates for tissue engineering substitutes. This study aims to investigate the biocompatibility of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), prepared using the green synthesis method, as a potential host material for skin tissue applications. The substrates, containing varied concentrations of AgNO3 (0.4%–1.6%), were formed in the presence of HEC and dissolved in a single step in water. The presence of AgNPs was visually confirmed by a color change from colorless to dark brown and fabricated via the freeze-drying technique.
The results exhibited significant porosity (above 80%), a moderate degradation rate, and an impressive water absorption capacity of up to 1163% in all samples. The HEC/AgNPs scaffolds were further characterized using SEM, UV–Vis, ATR-FTIR, TGA, and DSC. All scaffolds displayed open, interconnected pore sizes ranging from 50 to 150 μm. The UV–Vis spectra (417–421 nm) revealed characteristic peaks of Ag, confirming the formation of AgNPs in the blend composite. Additionally, the ATR-FTIR curve showed a new peak, indicating the oxidation of HEC in the cellulose derivatives.
The DSC thermogram demonstrated an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) with the rise in AgNO3 concentration. Preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity studies, involving the implementation of hFB cells on the scaffolds, confirmed low toxicity of the HEC/AgNPs scaffolds, highlighting their potential suitability for skin tissue engineering applications.
Keywords: Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Silver nanoparticles, Skin tissue engineering, Cytotoxicity
<Access the full report below>