Hydroxyapatite Modified Silica Aerogel Nanoparticles: In Vitro Cell Migration Analysis

Abstract

The ability of silica aerogel nanoparticles (SA-Np) to improve the stability of hydroxyapatite (HA) was investigated. Using the sol-gel method, the HA was incorporated into SA-Np at a weight ratio of 0.5 of HA to SiO2 (HA-SA-Np). The efficacy of HA-SA-Np, SA-Np, and HA on the in vitro migration of normal human dermal fibroblast cells (HSF1184) was compared. The cell migration was measured at 0, 6, and 24 hours after scratching using ImageJ and an inverted optical microscope. To ascertain the resorbability of HA-SA-Np, the phosphate and silicic acid concentrations in media treated for 2, 5, and 7 days were examined. The high dissolution of HA could be reduced by incorporating the HA into the silica nanosphere. The HA-SA-Np significantly stimulated cell migration and increased closure with increasing treatment time. It was caused by the release of silicic acid, which aided in healing cells. It also demonstrates the ability of HA-SA-Np to be resorbed and eventually increase the adhesion and migration of normal human fibroblast cells. As a result, the potential application of HA-SA-Np as an alternative biomaterial was confirmed.