Silver ion-doped calcium phosphate nanoparticles in a plasma clot matrix

• Applicant: Dr. Christina Sengstock
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: from 2012 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221483486

The subject of this project is to develop a new treatment method for critical size defects by using a plasma clot matrix for controlled release of antimicrobial silver ions from biodegradable, osteopromotive calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Ag-CaP-NP).Recent advances in the isolation, expansion, and characterization of multipotent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) have raised the possibility of using them in cell therapies and tissue engineering for bone reconstruction. However, the delivery of in vitro expanded MSC to the fracture site is still a clinical problem and no standard procedures have been established so far. The autologous plasma clot represents an ideal scaffold for hMSC transplantation because of its three-dimensional structure, high biocompatibility, good biodegradability and lack of immunogenic effects. With the increased use of antibiotics, the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms has become a serious problem in clinical practice and therefore, alternative antimicrobial agents are being sought out such as silver.In this project, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP-NP) represent an ideal carrier system for silver ions, because CaP-NP has proven excellent biocompatibility due to its chemical similarity to human hard tissue. Thus, these silver-doped nanoparticles embedded in an autologous plasma clot are useful in clinical cell therapeutic application for fractures with an infection or with the risk of an infection.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants