Dual-effect core–shell polyphenol coated silver nanoparticles for tissue engineering

Abstract

The development of silver nanoparticles has attracted great attention due to their potential applications in biomedicine, tissue engineering and materials science. In this study, polyphenol coated silver nanoparticles (PAgNp) were synthesized using yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) aqueous extract as green reducing and stabilizing agent. This one-pot and economic process lead to a potent antimicrobial and antioxidant nanomaterial, both activities strongly essential for tissue engineering and wound healing. Yerba mate dried leaves are highly available and inexpensive industrial product in South America and other countries. Yerba mate plant aqueous extract was used as a reducing reactant and stabilizer agent, due its great content of phenolic compounds. Different parameters (i.e.: silver salt and reducing agent concentration, pH, temperature and capping agent concentration) were evaluated to establish the optimal synthesis condition. The reaction was evaluated by UV–vis spectrophotometry. Reaction efficiency (98%) and stability were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The green synthesized nanomaterial was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and ATR-FTIR. Moreover, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytocompatibility test were performed. The present study revealed that the low-cost, simple and environmentally friendly synthesis of a nanomaterial that can be widely used in biomedicine and nanobiotechnology as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.