Gold nanoparticle/silk fibroin-based nanofiber enhances skin regeneration

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the wound-healing potential of gold nanoparticles and silk fibroin-based nanofiber produced by green chemistry. Methods The electrospinning method was used to prepare the nanofiber. Twenty rats were exposed to a 7-day treatment period and another 20 rats were exposed to a 21-day treatment period. Rat groups were control, silver, silk fibroin, and silk + gold nanoparticle groups for each period. The effect of the gold nanoparticle/silk fibroin-based nanofiber was examined in skin samples by using biochemical and histological analysis. In biochemical analysis, skin oxidant and antioxidant parameters were determined. Key findings Parameters indicating skin damage returned to their previous levels 7 and 21 days after the wound formation using gold nanoparticle/silk fibroin-based nanofiber. Gold nanoparticle/silk fibroin-based nanofiber initiated hair follicle formation at the wound site and accelerated the re-epithelialization process. Conclusions It was found that the nanofiber prepared by adding gold nanoparticles to silk fibroin had better wound-healing properties than silk fibroin nanofibers without gold nanoparticles.