Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoneedles Derived from Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg (Loganiaceae) Support Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Proliferation and Wound Healing

Abstract

This study investigates the wound-healing and bone-repair potential of nano-sized magnesium hydroxide [nanoMg(OH)₂] derived from the leaves of Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg (Loganiaceae), a plant native to Africa traditionally used for treating injuries. Mg(OH)2-AS nanoneedles were synthesized from aqueous extracts of Anthocleista schweinfurthii Gilg (Loganiaceae) leaves (AS) and magnesium nitrate. The compound was studied by UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, PXRD, SEM-EDX, and TEM. Acute dermal toxicity experiment on animal model was used to investigate safety for topical application. In vitro experiments anti-inflammatory potential, and in vivo wound healing assays in Wistar rats were performed. To investigate Mg(OH)2-AS effects on the cellular level, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) were used. The Mg(OH)2 interface contains secondary metabolites as polyphenols. The powder X-ray diffractogram could be matched to the Mg(OH)2 pattern and the Scherrer equation gave grain sizes < 50 nm after different temperatures conditions. The powders form aggregates which contain C, O, and Mg elements. Needles of 33 ± 9 nm length and 4 ± 2 nm width of Mg(OH)2-AS were imaged. Mg(OH)2-AS was found safe for topical application. Mg(OH)2-AS has anti-inflammatory potential, and can enhance wound healing. In contrast to pure Mg(OH)2 or AS, cell viability and proliferation were not impaired by Mg(OH)2-AS. Cell morphology remained unchanged upon media supplementation with Mg(OH)2-AS. An enhancement of osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs was observed. These findings motivate further research towards the inclusion of the material driving plant secondary metabolites in implants for bone healing.