PhD Scientific Days 2025

Theoretical and Translational Medicine III.

Metal Nanoparticles in the Design of Electrospun Wound Healing Materials

Name of the presenter

Halmóczki Sarolta

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Laboratory of Nanochemistry, Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University

Authors

Sarolta Halmóczki¹, Angéla Jedlovszky-Hajdú¹, Vivien Rizmajer¹, Kitti Osán¹

1: Laboratory of Nanochemistry, Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Combating multidrug-resistant bacteria is an increasing challenge in modern healthcare, especially in the treatment of slow-healing wounds such as diabetic ulcers. Since traditional antibiotics are often ineffective, alternative antimicrobials are needed. [1,2] Metal oxide nanoparticles (MeNPs) are promising candidates due to their strong antibacterial activity and lower tendency to induce resistance. However, their potential cytotoxicity makes safe use in living tissues challenging. [3]

Aims: The aim of this research was to create a wound dressing by incorporating MeNPs into a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer matrix prepared by electrospinning. A key challenge was to disperse the nanoparticles in volatile organic solvents compatible with electrostatic fiber formation.

Methods: Oleic acid-stabilized magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized and ultrasonically dispersed in the polymer solution. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide, followed by optimization of precursor materials, reaction-, and centrifugation parameters. The dispersions were characterized by DLS and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Electrospinning was used to produce fibrous meshes from the MeNP-containing polymer solutions. The nanocomposites were characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR, and tensile testing, moreover, antibacterial activity was assessed against four standard strains.

Results: Hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index of ZnONPs were determined by DLS, while UV-Vis spectrophotometry confirmed the presence of both MeNPs. The electrospun fibrous structure was confirmed by SEM. EDX verified nanoparticle incorporation, and FTIR monitored the structures of the materials. Antibacterial tests showed enhanced activity in ZnONP-loaded scaffolds compared to MeNP-free controls. Mechanical properties differed significantly between the control and MeNP-loaded scaffolds.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of PSI-based nanofibrous materials containing MNPs and ZnONPs as antibacterial wound dressings. Future work will include cytotoxicity assays on fibroblast cells and advanced structural characterization using TEM and SAXS.

References:
[1] C. Liao et al, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 20, 1-47, (2019).
[2] N. Naderi et al, Front. Biosci. - Landmark 23, 1038–1059, (2018).
[3] L. Wang et al, Int. J. Nanomedicine 12, 1227–1249, (2017).