Biomimetic silk fibroin/alginate scaffolds incorporating ZnO nanoparticles and Citrus aurantium extract for epidermal differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Minerals and phytochemicals show great promise in regenerative medicine applications. This study aimed to develop and evaluate biomimetic silk fibroin/sodium alginate (SF/SA) scaffolds incorporating biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Citrus aurantium extract (HE) to enhance epidermal differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (h-ASCs). To this end, SF/SA scaffolds prepared at ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 were structurally characterized to determine the optimal formulation. The 1:1 SF/SA scaffold demonstrated the most favorable physico-structural features, including high porosity (∼89 %), interconnected pores, and suitable mechanical strength (modulus ≈ 4.2 MPa; elongation ≈ 9 %). In the following, incorporation of ZnO NPs (1 mg/ml) further increased porosity (∼94 %) and surface roughness, improving cell attachment. Subsequent loading of HE (3 wt%) produced a denser but still interconnected matrix (porosity ∼96 %). The combined presence of ZnO NPs and HE enhanced cell adhesion and spreading, consistent with their uniform distribution within the scaffold. Gene expression analysis showed elevated levels of keratin 10 and keratin 14 during early culture (day 7), confirming initiation of epidermal differentiation, followed by a decreasing pattern of values toward day 14. Accordingly, the integration of biosynthesized ZnO NPs and Citrus aurantium extract wi

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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