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	Bai-Shuan Liu, Tsung-Bin Huang
Journal	Macromolecular bioscience (Macromol Biosci) Vol. 8 Issue 10 Pg. 932-41 (Oct 08 2008) ISSN: 1616-5195 [Electronic] Germany
PMID	18615456 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References	Anti-Infective Agents Cross-Linking Reagents Iridoid Glycosides Iridoids Water Silver Chitosan genipin Muramidase
Topics	Animals Anti-Infective Agents (chemistry, pharmacology) Cell Adhesion (drug effects) Cell Count Cell Death (drug effects) Cell Line Cell Proliferation (drug effects) Chitosan (chemistry, pharmacology) Cross-Linking Reagents (pharmacology) Escherichia coli (drug effects) Fibroblasts (cytology, drug effects, ultrastructure) Iridoid Glycosides Iridoids (chemistry, pharmacology) Metal Nanoparticles (chemistry, ultrastructure) Mice Microbial Sensitivity Tests Muramidase (metabolism) Nanocomposites (chemistry, ultrastructure) Silver (chemistry, pharmacology) Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet Surface Properties (drug effects) Water (chemistry)

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