Preparation and biological characterization of the mixture of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/chitosan/Ag nanoparticles for periodontal tissue engineering

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to produce nanoparticles of chitosan (CS), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and silver and investigate the optimal composite ratio of these three materials for periodontal tissue regeneration. METHODS: PLGA nanoparticles (nPLGA), CS nanoparticles (nCS), and silver nanoparticles (nAg) were prepared. The antibacterial properties of single nanoparticles and their effects on the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal membrane cells were investigated. Different ratios of nPLGA and nCS were combined, the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal membrane cells were investigated, and based on the results, the optimal ratio was determined. Finally, nPLGA and nCS in optimal ratio were combined with nAg, and the effects of the complex of these three materials on the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal membrane cells were investigated and tested in animals. RESULTS: The single nanoparticles were found to have no cytotoxicity and were able to promote cell mineralization. nCS and nAg in low concentrations showed antibacterial activity; however, nAg inhibited cell proliferation. The nPLGA and nCS complex in 3:7 ratio contributed to cell mineralization and had no cytotoxicity. nPLGA/nCS/nAg complex, which had the optimal proportion of the three materials, showed no cytotoxicity and contributed to cell mineralization. CONCLUSION: nPLGA/nCS/nAg complex had no cytotoxicity and contributed to cell mineralization. The 3:7 ratio of nPLGA/nCS and 50 µg/mL nAg were found as the optimal proportion of the three materials.