3D-Bioprinted Poly(lactic acid) Scaffolds Incorporated with Cerium Nitrate-Bound Silver Nanoparticles for Skin Tissue Engineering

There is still much need for improvement in the treatment of chronic full thickness wounds, which are among the most catastrophic injuries with direct consequences for public health systems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based scaffold containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) bound with cerium nitrate (CN) on fastening the recovery of wounds. A chemical reduction method employing trinyl citrate was used for the synthesis of AgNPs. Thioglycolic acid was used here to modify the surface of AgNPs, making them more stable and allowing them to attach to CN. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics. The scaffolds were 3D-printed by using a pneumatic-extrusion-based process. Physical, thermal, antimicrobial, <i>in vitro</i> degradation, and cytocompatibility aspects of the constructed scaffolds were studied. The bioactivity, cell growth rate, and effectiveness as well as the method by which the 3D-printed scaffolds enhance skin regeneration were examined by both cell cultures and live animals using a model of complete skin damage. Histological analysis revealed that PLA/CN20-fAgNP scaffolds stimulated the formation of granulation tissue. Furthermore, the inclusion of CN20-fAgNP substantially improved regeneration of the wounded area after implantation in rat skin defects. The regenerated tissues had a dermal shape and composition that closely resembled that of healthy skin.