3D Nanocomposite scaffold of TiO2 nanotubes incorporated carrageenan (TiO2NT/CG) for wound healing

3D nanocomposite scaffold is an important material for biomedical application owing to its compatibility and effectiveness compared with other types of nanocomposites. In this research, a unique 3D nanocomposite scaffold based on carrageenan biopolymer incorporating TiO2 nanotubes was successfully developed. Prior to the nanocomposite scaffold preparation, the TiO2 nanotubes as nanofiller were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes was incorporated into carrageenan for the fabrication of a 3D nanocomposite scaffold using the freeze-drying technique. The synthesized and fabricated materials were characterized using various techniques. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction were employed to investigate the intermolecular interaction and phase structure of the fabricated TiO2 nanotubes incorporated carrageenan (TiO2NT/CG) 3D nanocomposite scaffold. The morphology and microstructure were via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ability of TiO2NT/CG 3D nanocomposite scaffold for wound healing was tested in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro study on 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells demonstrated that the number of cells increased up to 190 K per well. Meanwhile, in vivo studies on Sprague Dawley rat exhibited that a 100% cure rate of wounds was observed after 14 days. These are attributed to the presence of ∼10-nm TiO2 nanotubes that are homogeneously distributed onto the scaffold, as proven by scanning electron microscopy. The TiO2 nanotubes promote wound healing by generating reactive oxygen species to induce the fibroblast growth factor and for the formation of a new extracellular matrix. The interconnected porous structure and rough surface of the TiO2/GG 3D nanocomposite scaffold also support cell proliferation to expedite wound healing, thus offering a good candidate for wound-dressing application.