Silver nanoparticles and platelet-rich fibrin accelerate tendon healing in donkey

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the healing of the severed superficial digital flexor tendon in donkeys (SDFT). Twenty-seven adult donkeys were used in the study. The animals were divided into three equal groups. The first group (control group) in which the severed SDFT was sutured without the addition of any adjuvant. In the second group, there was a suture of severed SDFT with the addition of 1 ml of 1 mM silver nanoparticles (AgNPs group). The third group was subjected to the cutting of SDFT and then the addition of PRF after its suture. Each group of animals was divided into three equal subgroups that were examined after 1, 2, and 3 months. Each group of animals was clinically evaluated by assessing lameness. Gross and microscopic examinations of the healed tendons were performed after 1, 2, and 3 months of surgery. In comparison to the control group, the lameness degree decreased in the PRF and AgNPs groups, particularly in the third month after surgery. Furthermore, the lameness decreased significantly after the 3rd month relative to the 1st-month lameness in the AgNPs group. Interestingly, it was found that the PRF and AgNPs enhanced cell alignment and collagen deposition at the site of tendon injury, particularly among third-month subgroups. Therefore, it could be concluded that the PRF and AgNPs are effective materials for enhancing SDFT healing in donkeys.