Anti-Inflammatory Fibronectin-AgNP for Regulation of Biological Performance and Endothelial Differentiation Ability of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Various biomolecules used for the surface modification of biomaterials have been certified to ameliorate biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and to stimulate differentiation . For patients with severe atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, replacement of blood vessels by the saphenous vein and mammary artery is the primary clinical approach . Synthetic vascular grafts often fail because of at the implantation site and poor endothelialization capacity . In order to conquer these barriers, functional endothelial cell (EC) seeding on vascular grafts was created . Since the source of ECs is limited, appropriate biological performance and superior biocompatibility of synthetic grafts as well as high endothelialization capacity to reduce immune response after implantation is crucial to ensure the success of a long-term implant. In recent years, various surface modification methods were applied physically, chemically, and biologically to improve hemocompatibility . Fibronectin (FN) is an abundant glycoprotein in the extracellular matrix (ECM) . Previous research has indicated that fibronectin is distributed in connective tissue and contributes to angiogenesis and vascular remodeling . Other literature also elucidates that the interaction between cells, growth factors, and FN can modulate appropriate microenvironment in tissue regeneration . Immobilization of fibronectin on a salinized titanium surface was proved to facilitate fibroblast attachment  and enhance MG63 osteoblast-like cells’ differentiation capacity . In addition, FN plays a critical role in constructing a temporary matrix for cell differentiation after the inflammatory phase . This evidence suggests that FN may be employed for cardiovascular regeneration engineering. Nanomaterials have unique properties  and, as biomaterials, they must be highly biocompatible to prevent any damage in organisms . Nanocomposites are defined as filled polymers with nanofillers of a particle size smaller than 100 nm . The combination of polymers and nanoparticles (NP) demonstrated diversified advantages on electrical or mechanical properties . NPs such as gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were widely applicable to biomedical treatments and tissue engineering . AgNP are commonly used in wound repair management due to their superior anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial capacity that can enhance tissue healing . A recent research indicated that a chitosan-silk fibroin decorating with AgNP-absorbed exosomes facilitated wound healing through angiogenesis, appropriate collagen deposition, and nerve regeneration in a rat model . In addition, polyurethane (PU) composites containing different amounts of AgNP (~15.1, 30.2, and 75.5 ppm) revealed deflect surface features and, with 30.2 ppm of AgNP, demonstrated the superior biocompatibility , and promoted cell attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of ECs . The performance of PU-Ag nanocomposites was confirmed by a porcine model . Meanwhile, the antibacterial activities of AgNP depend on surface oxidation and optimal particle dispersion . The antimicrobial property of AgNP makes them an efficient candidate of surface coating for medical devices . Stem cell homing, migration, and differentiation ability play important roles in vascular tissue regeneration . Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential therapeutic tool due to self-renewal capacity, easiness for isolation, and low immunoreactivity . The process of stem cell migration is regulated by specialized signals  and complicated interactions between adhesion molecules, chemokines, cytokines, and extracellular matrix-degrading proteases . Moreover, the activated ECs express α 5 β 1 and α 5 β 3 integrins that can interact with ECM proteins such as fibronectin to regulate cell migration during vascular regeneration . Meanwhile, stromal cell-derived factor α (SDF-1α) is a prominent chemokine to promote cell migration . The SDF-1α and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) signaling pathway is crucial in modulating stem cells migration , which activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho GTPase, subsequently affecting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and cell migration . Moreover, various growth factors secreted by MSCs such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) effectively stimulate angiogenesis in the wound area . Previously, AuNPs combined with fibronectin (FN-Au) were found to induce VEGF and enhance cell migration via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/MMP signal pathway . However, vascular grafts-induced restenosis and thrombosis frequently occur after implantation . Thus, novel vascular biomaterials that can suppress foreign body response such as inflammation, thrombus, and neointimal hyperplasia causing in-stent restenosis are highly demanded . FN combined with type I collagen, VEGF and SDF-1α was reputed to improve endothelialization . A novel biostable polyurethane elastomer (TPCU) biofunctionalized with FN and decorin (DCN) did not induce major immune responses, and it could attract endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), suggesting the potential of FN to be an appropriate natural biomolecule for creating nanocomposites . Previously, FN-Au nanocomposites were found to reduce monocyte activation and enhance biocompatibility . In the current study, AgNP combined with fibronectin (FN) because the polyurethane–Ag nanocomposites were observed to have better hemocompatibility than polyurethane–Au nanocomposites . In vitro and in vivo evaluation showed FN-AgNP to be a novel antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory surface modification coating for vascular repair and regeneration engineering. 

2.1. Characterization of FN and FN-AgNP The surface morphology of AgNP was observed by SEM analysis ( A). The nanoparticle size of AgNP is about 5 nm. Furthermore, TEM imaging also confirmed the diameter of AgNP was about 5 nm as shown in B. Indeed, the nanotopography were observed by AFM assay as shown in C. The value of root mean square (Rq) and average roughness (Ra) were semi-quantified and indicated as D. The value of Rq and Ra were significantly higher at 30.2 ppm of FN-AgNP (Rq: ~1.16 nm, Ra: ~0.85 nm), compared to FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (Rq: ~0.77 nm, Ra: ~0.52 nm), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (Rq: ~0.77 nm, Ra: ~0.60 nm) and pure FN (Rq: ~0.67 nm, Ra: ~0.50 nm). FN is an adhesion molecule that composes of three different repeating domains, and contains amino-terminal FN dimers which can be assembled into ECM of fibroblasts. The above results indicated that FN and AgNP may facilitate cellular interactions with ECM contributing to effect differentiation of stem cells. The UV-Vis absorption peak at 407 nm was attributed to the increasing concentration of AgNP from 15.1 ppm to 75.5 ppm ( E). According to F, the position of the amide-I band maximum was at approximately 1636 cm −1 . When FN was combined with AgNP, there was a shift in the peak position of amide I from 1623.98 cm −1 (pure FN) to 1622.21 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm), 1621.61 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm) and 1621.56 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm). The above findings indicated that the amide I band may have strong interaction with AgNP. . After the combination of AgNP into pure FN, significant changes occurred in the spectra near 1610~1700 cm −1 (peptide carbonyl stretching vibration, CO). According to F, there was a shift in the peak position of amide I from 1623.98 cm −1 (pure FN) to 1622.21 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm), 1621.61 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm) and 1621.56 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm). The above findings indicated that the amide I band may have strong interaction with AgNP. 2.2. Cytoskeletal Change and Migration Ability of HSF and MSC on FN-AgNP Nanocomposites It has been reported that co-culture of fibroblasts and endothelial could significantly enhance the angiogenesis of endothelial cells. It was indicated that there are intimate communications between fibroblasts and endothelial cells for angiogenesis, and the paracrine effect may play a crucial role in these communications . Therefore, the effects of different materials on biocompatibility and the biological activity of fibroblast (HSF) were also investigated in this study. The assessment of actin fiber staining via phalloidin-rhodamine conjugate is demonstrated in and A. In control group, the actin fibers of HSF and MSC were mostly near the cell body and exhibited in circumferential shape. While seeding cells with FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm, the actin fibers became more extended. The length of actin fiber was much longer in MSC culturing in FN-AgNP nanocomposites, especially in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.46-fold) and following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.35-fold), pure FN (~1.23-fold) and FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.20-fold). The above condition could also be observed in HSF, but had a less extension comparing to MSCs: FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.39-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.28-fold), pure FN (~1.20-fold) and FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.15-fold) ( and C). As and B showed, the real-time observation of cell migration distance was observed in pre-migration (t = 0 h) and post-migration (t = 24 and 48 h). The semi-quantitative data ( D and ) in MSCs from 24 to 48 h on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.24 to ~1.46-fold) was significantly greater than other materials [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.18 to ~1.39-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.10 to ~1.22-fold) and pure FN (~1.07 to ~1.18-fold)]. The similar condition could be observed in HSF particularly in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.28 to ~1.46-fold), following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.20 to ~1.35-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.15 to ~1.25-fold) and pure FN (~1.12 to ~1.22-fold). Based on the results, FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm could induce advanced cell adhesion and migration behaviors. 2.3. Cell Proliferation and ROS Production The proliferation of HSF and MSCs culturing on various materials for 24 and 48 h are demonstrated in and E. The cell viability of HSF (OD 570nm = ~0.92) and MSC (OD 570nm = ~0.80) at 48 h was both the highest on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm, following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (HSF: OD 570nm = ~0.83, MSC: OD 570nm = ~0.70), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (HSF: OD 570nm = ~0.69, MSC: OD 570nm = ~0.69) and pure FN (HSF: OD 570nm = ~0.66, MSC: OD 570nm = ~0.68). ROS generation of HSF and MSC on various materials is depicted in . At 48 h, the FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm induced the lowest amount of ROS generation in both HSF (~0.5-fold) and MSC (~0.42-fold), comparing to FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (HSF: ~0.7-fold, MSC: ~0.65-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (HSF: ~0.73-fold, MSC: ~0.7-fold) and pure FN (HSF: ~0.87-fold, MSC: ~0.8-fold). 2.4. Biocompatibility Assay The monocyte activation was further evaluated by CD68 staining (the marker of macrophage) shown in A. The quantification of CD68 expression resulting from fluorescent intensity was demonstrated in B. While in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~0.52-fold), the expression of CD68 was the lowest, following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.52-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.60-fold) and pure FN (~0.88-fold). And a similar trend of conversion ratio among different materials was shown in C. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1β, IL-6) expression were also examined via ELISA assay ( D). The quantitative data indicated the lowest expression in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm. These results suggested that FN-AgNP nanocomposites may stimulate lower inflammatory response. 2.5. Effect of FN-AgNP Nanocomposites on SDF-1α Expression and MMPs Activation in MSCs The representative zymograms for MMP-2 (62 kDa) and MMP-9 (90 kDa) at various times (24 and 48 h) are displayed as A. The semi-quantification of MMP-9 gene expression is represented in B. Indeed, the expression of MMP-9 in MSCs at 48 h is the greatest in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.29-fold), following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.22-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.20-fold) and pure FN (~1.11-fold). On the basis of previous study, the SDF-1α protein is investigated which plays a critical role in MSCs migration for promoting tissue repair. Semi-quantitative results ( C) showed that after 24 and 48 h of incubation, the SDF-1α expression in MSCs on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.22-fold to ~1.28-fold) examined by ELISA assay was significantly greater than other groups [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.19-fold to ~1.2-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.11-fold to ~1.12-fold) and pure FN (~1.1-fold to ~1.12-fold)]. The MMP-9 expression in HSF was also showed in [FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.34-fold to ~1.44-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.26-fold to ~1.3-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.4-fold to ~1.28-fold) and pure FN (~1.2-fold to ~1.22-fold)]. 2.6. Endothelialization of MSCs Induced by FN-AgNP Nanocomposites Immunofluorescence staining analysis can be clearly observed in A,B, to characterize the expression of EC marker (CD31 and vWF) after seeded MSCs on FN-AgNP for 7 days. C,D demonstrate the semi-quantitative data of CD31 and vWF expression. The CD31 and vWF expression on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (CD31: ~1.52-fold, vWF: ~1.47-fold) are significantly greater than other groups [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (CD31: ~1.40-fold, vWF: ~1.34-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (CD31: ~1.24-fold, vWF: ~1.29-fold) and pure FN (CD31: ~1.25-fold, vWF: ~1.22-fold)]. The above results strongly suggest that FN-AgNP nanocomposites may facilitate MSC differentiate into ECs. The differentiation capacity of MSCs induced by various materials was then evaluated. The phenotypes of endothelial cells were also observed at days three and five. After culturing MSCs with various materials, FN-Ag 30.2 ppm induced a slight expression level of endothelial markers at days three and five as compared to the control, with the immunostaining images shown in . The semi-quantitative data showed that the mineral? differentiation in the FN-Ag 30.2 ppm group was the greatest at days three and five ( p < 0.01) ( ). 2.7. Biocompatibility and Endothelialization Ability in the Rat Subcutaneous Model Indeed, chronic inflammation may cause fibrosis and then leads to poor tissue regeneration and affect biocompatibility of nano biomaterials. In brief, a successful implantation is commonly determined by the interaction of cells and molecules between the implanted body and host tissue. The fibrotic encapsulation caused by foreign body response from the different materials was observed via subcutaneous after one month of implantation in order to confirm the biocompatibility and biosafety in vivo ( A). Indeed, it was also calculated the intensity of tissue fibrosis effect using Masson’s trichrome staining, which revealed collagen deposition in response to the control treated group (glass) ( B). The semi-quantification analysis results are represented in C,D. The value of capsule thickness was the lowest in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~0.3-fold), comparing to FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.4-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.45-fold) and pure FN (~0.92-fold). And the collagen deposition was also investigated and had a similar trend with capsule thickness [FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~0.34-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.4-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.5-fold) and pure FN (~0.78-fold)]. In addition, the endothelialization marker CD31, and VEGF were also investigated ( ). As A,B showed, the expression of CD31 was significantly higher in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.46-fold) group than in other materials [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.26-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.12-fold) and pure FN (~1.13-fold)]. And the expression of VEGF was measured at 24 and 48 h through ELISA assay ( C). The results showed the expression in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~1.23-fold to ~1.33-fold) was greater than other materials [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.12-fold to ~1.23-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.12-fold to ~1.22-fold) and pure FN (~1.08-fold to ~1.11-fold)]. Furthermore, the macrophage polarization was examined and demonstrated as A,B. The marker for M1 polarization, CD86, was significantly lower expressed in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~0.22-fold), then followed by FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.38-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.44-fold) and pure FN (~0.82-fold) groups ( C). Next, CD163 was selected as t M2 polarization marker, then found a reverse trend. Indeed, the tissues in the FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~1.42-fold) was the greatest expression, comparing to FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.32-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.20-fold) and pure FN (~1.12-fold) ( D). The above results elucidated FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm could remarkably suppress inflammatory responses and enhance endothelialization ability. The biocompatibility capacity, biological performance, endothelial differentiation ability, and anti-inflammatory response was enhanced by FN-AgNP nanocomposites both in in vivo and the in vivo assay as illustrated in . 

The surface morphology of AgNP was observed by SEM analysis ( A). The nanoparticle size of AgNP is about 5 nm. Furthermore, TEM imaging also confirmed the diameter of AgNP was about 5 nm as shown in B. Indeed, the nanotopography were observed by AFM assay as shown in C. The value of root mean square (Rq) and average roughness (Ra) were semi-quantified and indicated as D. The value of Rq and Ra were significantly higher at 30.2 ppm of FN-AgNP (Rq: ~1.16 nm, Ra: ~0.85 nm), compared to FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (Rq: ~0.77 nm, Ra: ~0.52 nm), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (Rq: ~0.77 nm, Ra: ~0.60 nm) and pure FN (Rq: ~0.67 nm, Ra: ~0.50 nm). FN is an adhesion molecule that composes of three different repeating domains, and contains amino-terminal FN dimers which can be assembled into ECM of fibroblasts. The above results indicated that FN and AgNP may facilitate cellular interactions with ECM contributing to effect differentiation of stem cells. The UV-Vis absorption peak at 407 nm was attributed to the increasing concentration of AgNP from 15.1 ppm to 75.5 ppm ( E). According to F, the position of the amide-I band maximum was at approximately 1636 cm −1 . When FN was combined with AgNP, there was a shift in the peak position of amide I from 1623.98 cm −1 (pure FN) to 1622.21 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm), 1621.61 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm) and 1621.56 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm). The above findings indicated that the amide I band may have strong interaction with AgNP. . After the combination of AgNP into pure FN, significant changes occurred in the spectra near 1610~1700 cm −1 (peptide carbonyl stretching vibration, CO). According to F, there was a shift in the peak position of amide I from 1623.98 cm −1 (pure FN) to 1622.21 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm), 1621.61 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm) and 1621.56 cm −1 (FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm). The above findings indicated that the amide I band may have strong interaction with AgNP. 

It has been reported that co-culture of fibroblasts and endothelial could significantly enhance the angiogenesis of endothelial cells. It was indicated that there are intimate communications between fibroblasts and endothelial cells for angiogenesis, and the paracrine effect may play a crucial role in these communications . Therefore, the effects of different materials on biocompatibility and the biological activity of fibroblast (HSF) were also investigated in this study. The assessment of actin fiber staining via phalloidin-rhodamine conjugate is demonstrated in and A. In control group, the actin fibers of HSF and MSC were mostly near the cell body and exhibited in circumferential shape. While seeding cells with FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm, the actin fibers became more extended. The length of actin fiber was much longer in MSC culturing in FN-AgNP nanocomposites, especially in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.46-fold) and following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.35-fold), pure FN (~1.23-fold) and FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.20-fold). The above condition could also be observed in HSF, but had a less extension comparing to MSCs: FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.39-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.28-fold), pure FN (~1.20-fold) and FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.15-fold) ( and C). As and B showed, the real-time observation of cell migration distance was observed in pre-migration (t = 0 h) and post-migration (t = 24 and 48 h). The semi-quantitative data ( D and ) in MSCs from 24 to 48 h on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.24 to ~1.46-fold) was significantly greater than other materials [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.18 to ~1.39-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.10 to ~1.22-fold) and pure FN (~1.07 to ~1.18-fold)]. The similar condition could be observed in HSF particularly in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.28 to ~1.46-fold), following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.20 to ~1.35-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.15 to ~1.25-fold) and pure FN (~1.12 to ~1.22-fold). Based on the results, FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm could induce advanced cell adhesion and migration behaviors. 

The proliferation of HSF and MSCs culturing on various materials for 24 and 48 h are demonstrated in and E. The cell viability of HSF (OD 570nm = ~0.92) and MSC (OD 570nm = ~0.80) at 48 h was both the highest on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm, following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (HSF: OD 570nm = ~0.83, MSC: OD 570nm = ~0.70), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (HSF: OD 570nm = ~0.69, MSC: OD 570nm = ~0.69) and pure FN (HSF: OD 570nm = ~0.66, MSC: OD 570nm = ~0.68). ROS generation of HSF and MSC on various materials is depicted in . At 48 h, the FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm induced the lowest amount of ROS generation in both HSF (~0.5-fold) and MSC (~0.42-fold), comparing to FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (HSF: ~0.7-fold, MSC: ~0.65-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (HSF: ~0.73-fold, MSC: ~0.7-fold) and pure FN (HSF: ~0.87-fold, MSC: ~0.8-fold). 

The monocyte activation was further evaluated by CD68 staining (the marker of macrophage) shown in A. The quantification of CD68 expression resulting from fluorescent intensity was demonstrated in B. While in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~0.52-fold), the expression of CD68 was the lowest, following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.52-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.60-fold) and pure FN (~0.88-fold). And a similar trend of conversion ratio among different materials was shown in C. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1β, IL-6) expression were also examined via ELISA assay ( D). The quantitative data indicated the lowest expression in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm. These results suggested that FN-AgNP nanocomposites may stimulate lower inflammatory response. 

The representative zymograms for MMP-2 (62 kDa) and MMP-9 (90 kDa) at various times (24 and 48 h) are displayed as A. The semi-quantification of MMP-9 gene expression is represented in B. Indeed, the expression of MMP-9 in MSCs at 48 h is the greatest in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.29-fold), following by FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.22-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.20-fold) and pure FN (~1.11-fold). On the basis of previous study, the SDF-1α protein is investigated which plays a critical role in MSCs migration for promoting tissue repair. Semi-quantitative results ( C) showed that after 24 and 48 h of incubation, the SDF-1α expression in MSCs on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.22-fold to ~1.28-fold) examined by ELISA assay was significantly greater than other groups [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.19-fold to ~1.2-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.11-fold to ~1.12-fold) and pure FN (~1.1-fold to ~1.12-fold)]. The MMP-9 expression in HSF was also showed in [FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.34-fold to ~1.44-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.26-fold to ~1.3-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.4-fold to ~1.28-fold) and pure FN (~1.2-fold to ~1.22-fold)]. 

Immunofluorescence staining analysis can be clearly observed in A,B, to characterize the expression of EC marker (CD31 and vWF) after seeded MSCs on FN-AgNP for 7 days. C,D demonstrate the semi-quantitative data of CD31 and vWF expression. The CD31 and vWF expression on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (CD31: ~1.52-fold, vWF: ~1.47-fold) are significantly greater than other groups [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (CD31: ~1.40-fold, vWF: ~1.34-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (CD31: ~1.24-fold, vWF: ~1.29-fold) and pure FN (CD31: ~1.25-fold, vWF: ~1.22-fold)]. The above results strongly suggest that FN-AgNP nanocomposites may facilitate MSC differentiate into ECs. The differentiation capacity of MSCs induced by various materials was then evaluated. The phenotypes of endothelial cells were also observed at days three and five. After culturing MSCs with various materials, FN-Ag 30.2 ppm induced a slight expression level of endothelial markers at days three and five as compared to the control, with the immunostaining images shown in . The semi-quantitative data showed that the mineral? differentiation in the FN-Ag 30.2 ppm group was the greatest at days three and five ( p < 0.01) ( ). 

Indeed, chronic inflammation may cause fibrosis and then leads to poor tissue regeneration and affect biocompatibility of nano biomaterials. In brief, a successful implantation is commonly determined by the interaction of cells and molecules between the implanted body and host tissue. The fibrotic encapsulation caused by foreign body response from the different materials was observed via subcutaneous after one month of implantation in order to confirm the biocompatibility and biosafety in vivo ( A). Indeed, it was also calculated the intensity of tissue fibrosis effect using Masson’s trichrome staining, which revealed collagen deposition in response to the control treated group (glass) ( B). The semi-quantification analysis results are represented in C,D. The value of capsule thickness was the lowest in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~0.3-fold), comparing to FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.4-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.45-fold) and pure FN (~0.92-fold). And the collagen deposition was also investigated and had a similar trend with capsule thickness [FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~0.34-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.4-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.5-fold) and pure FN (~0.78-fold)]. In addition, the endothelialization marker CD31, and VEGF were also investigated ( ). As A,B showed, the expression of CD31 was significantly higher in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm (~1.46-fold) group than in other materials [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.26-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.12-fold) and pure FN (~1.13-fold)]. And the expression of VEGF was measured at 24 and 48 h through ELISA assay ( C). The results showed the expression in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~1.23-fold to ~1.33-fold) was greater than other materials [FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.12-fold to ~1.23-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.12-fold to ~1.22-fold) and pure FN (~1.08-fold to ~1.11-fold)]. Furthermore, the macrophage polarization was examined and demonstrated as A,B. The marker for M1 polarization, CD86, was significantly lower expressed in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~0.22-fold), then followed by FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~0.38-fold), FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~0.44-fold) and pure FN (~0.82-fold) groups ( C). Next, CD163 was selected as t M2 polarization marker, then found a reverse trend. Indeed, the tissues in the FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm group (~1.42-fold) was the greatest expression, comparing to FN-AgNP 15.1 ppm (~1.32-fold), FN-AgNP 75.5 ppm (~1.20-fold) and pure FN (~1.12-fold) ( D). The above results elucidated FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm could remarkably suppress inflammatory responses and enhance endothelialization ability. The biocompatibility capacity, biological performance, endothelial differentiation ability, and anti-inflammatory response was enhanced by FN-AgNP nanocomposites both in in vivo and the in vivo assay as illustrated in . 

Natural polymeric grafts demonstrate no cell toxicity and low immune response in vascular tissue engineering . Therefore, biocompatibility is the focal point while designing appropriate biomaterials for implantation in human body. To take the advantages of the better mechanical properties of the synthetic polymers, and for the purpose of improving biocompatibility, various surface modification methods such as chemical, physical, and biomolecule immobilization have been used. Among the methods, changing the material surface topography on a nanoscale may affect surface properties, such as protein, cellular, and tissue interactions, thereby improving the performance of the biomaterials. Introduction of roughness (Rq and Ra) of biomaterials in nano-scales can promote cell adhesion . Surface modification by several proteins such as collagen, elastin, and fibronectin also mediate vascular cell interactions . Adding an optimized concentration of AgNP in the natural polymers can generate surface morphology favorable for cell interaction . The current research focused on creating surface functionalized coatings comprised FN and AgNP to improve cell behavior and biocompatibility. Based on AFM results, the value of surface roughness was the highest in FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm, confirming that the surface morphology of pure FN was remarkably changed by adding optimal concentration of AgNP. Besides, FTIR results demonstrated the interaction between AgNP and amide I region (peptide carbonyl stretching vibration, CO) of FN in the FN-AgNP nanocomposites. The above evidence demonstrated that the physical-chemical property of pure FN was altered after decorating with Ag nanoparticles. FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm stimulated the attachment, proliferation, and migration of MSCs in vitro. In addition, FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm showed better biocompatibility including the reduction of monocyte activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1β, IL-6) expression . In other words, the addition of AgNP attenuated the inflammatory response of biomaterials. Anti-oxidation is related to reduced inflammation after implantation of nano-biomaterials . A pervious study indicated that after implanting antioxidant-modified polymer into rat models, the acute inflammatory infiltrates were reduced . Besides, FN-AgNP inhibited ROS generation in MSCs based on the results. The above findings supported that AgNP are potent to improve the biological performances of FN. The differentiation ability of stem cells can be stimulated by biomolecules or an appropriate ECM microenvironment. Apart from the support of scaffolds, suitable ECM can promote advanced biological responses such as cell viability, proliferation, and migration through activating cell signaling pathways . MSCs are potential cell source in tissue repair engineering owing to secretion of various bioactive factors and superior differentiation capacity for therapeutic treatments . The current study demonstrated that FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm could regulate cellular morphology and biological functions of MSCs. The results of the endothelialization marker expression, CD31, indicating that FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm had the ability to induce endothelial cells differentiation. The above findings of promoted EC phenotype and better biocompatibility for MSCs seeded on FN-AgNP suggested the efficiency of FN-AgNP nanocomposites to be a suitable biomaterial for vascular tissue regeneration treatments. As mentioned above, the superior proliferation, migration, and differentiation ability of MSCs coupled with biomaterials are indispensable for wound repair and regeneration. The MMPs secretion is associated with promoting vascular remodeling and cell migration . The expression of MMP-2/9 contributes to cell migration through activating cell surface molecules such as α5β3 integrin . Various angiogenic cytokines such as VEGF and SDF-1α can modulate and improve the process of tissue regeneration . The VEGF and SDF-1α protein expression in MSCs can facilitate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Our previous study demonstrated that polyurethane-AuNPs (PU-AuNPs) could regulate ECs migration via triggering α5β3 integrin/FAK and PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathways . In the current study, MMP activity, VEGF, and SDF-1α protein expression were investigated. The results showed that FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm could induce the highest expression of angiogenic cytokines and MMP proteinases. Owing to VEGF induces stem cells trafficking through the activation of SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway, the potential of FN-AgNP to recruit MSCs may be the advantage as vascular tissue repair biomaterials . Based on the results of IHC and immunofluorescence staining, the implantation of MSCs cultured with FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm decreased M1 recruitment (CD86), but increased M2 infiltration in contrast. Besides, FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm also caused the lowest fibrous encapsulation and collagen deposition, indicating the better biocompatibility of FN-Ag 30.2 and the best tissue integrity after implantation. The above observation pointed out that surface modification of biomaterial may influence foreign body response in vivo. Bacterial infection during intravenous injection is a barrier for clinical treatments. The short-term peripheral venous catheters (PVC) are one of the commonly used invasive medical devices in hospitals, but PVC often fail due to vascular or infectious complications such as gram-negative bacteremia or other bloodstream infections before the end of treatments. The above reasons can cause the interruption of treatments that is harmful to patients. Moreover, PVC replacement causes pain on patients and increases treatment costs . A biodegradable water absorption sponge incorporating AgNP had antibacterial properties . Likewise, FN-AgNP nanocomposites can become a novel of surface modification biomaterials for clinical treatments. After coating FN-AgNP on PVC, it may have potential to prevent bloodstream infection and reduce inflammatory response on patients. This kind of surface modified peripheral venous catheters may be developed as a long-term injection medical device to reduce failure rate and decrease treatment costs. In conclusion, this research suggests that via making composites with fibronectin and AgNP, the behavior of MSCs on the biomaterial such as protein expression of SDF-1α and MMP enzymatic activities can be affected, leading to vascular remodeling. The nanocomposite coating improved blood compatibility, enhanced MSCs migration, proliferation, and EC phenotype as well as attenuated the immune response and ROS generation. With these benefits, the FN-AgNP nanocomposite may be a promising nanobiomaterial to provide a suitable surface coating and delivery technology for implanted cardiovascular devices. 

4.1. Material Preparation of Fibronectin-Silver (FN-AgNP) Nanocomposite The solution of human fibronectin was obtained through Millipore Corporation (USA) and the silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were purchased from GOLD NANOTECH, INC (Taiwan). The AgNP were dispersible into distilled water (~17.5 ppm). The size of silver nanoparticles could be mechanically controlled which was described in our previous study, and the diameter of the AgNP was approximately 5 nm . The preparation of FN-AgNP composites was mixed with pure FN solution (1 mg/mL) and various concentration of AgNP (~15.1, ~30.2 and ~75.5 ppm). The appropriate amount of pure FN and FN-AgNP nanocomposites at 20 μg/cm 2 were then coated on cell culture tissue dishes, culture plates, or round coverslip glasses (15 mm). The solution was adsorbed to the surface of each culture area for 30 min. Afterwards, the residual solution was removed to form FN and FN-AgNP thin films prior to proceeding further cell culture standard operating procedures for following experiments. 4.2. Material Characterization of FN and FN-AgNP Nanocomposites Surface morphology of AgNP was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) (JEOL JEM-5200, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan). Surface topography were captured and the value of average roughness was further measured by Image J 5.0 software. TEM images were taken by transmission electron microscope (JEOL JEM-1010, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan) with the voltage setting up at 80 keV, then observed microstructure and particle size. For TEM imaging, 5 μL of nanoparticle solution was added onto copper grid then dried out at RT. Atomic force microscope (AFM) coupled with a scanner (100 μm, JEOL JSM-6700 F) was used to observe the surface morphology of FN and FN-AgNP dry coatings. Then the AFM measurements were processed through tapping mode with force constants of 21–78 N/m in air. The absorption spectrum of pure FN and FN-AgNP solutions were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Helios Zeta, USA). Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (IR Pretige-21, Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) was applied to analyze the chemical composition of each material. All samples were independently scanned for 8 times in the 400–4000 cm −1 spectral region with a 2 cm −1 resolution to obtain each spectrum. 4.3. Cell Proliferation Test Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells  were harvested cautiously for the following in vitro and in vivo assay. The MSCs were cultured in high glucose DMEM medium (Invitrogen) with 10% FBS, 1% ( v/v ) antibiotics P/S and 1% of sodium pyruvate. Besides, MSCs maintained correct phenotypes at passages 8–20 . Human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). They can be cultured to higher passage numbers without appreciable loss of growth rate or phenotype, thus yielding more cells for the experiments. HSF were maintained in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) (Gibco) supplemented with 1% ( v/v ) antibodies (10,000 U/mL penicillin G and 10 mg/mL streptomycin), 2 mM glutamine, and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). 200 μL of cells was seeded into the bottom of a 96-well plate with pure FN or FN-AgNP coatings at the density of 6 × 10 3 cells/mL in each well. The cells seeded in blank well were represented as the control. The cells were further examined by MTT assay to evaluate cell viability after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The MTT [3-(4, 5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] solution (0.5 mg/mL) was added into each well for 3 h incubation (37 °C, 5% CO 2 ). Afterwards, the crystals were dissolved in dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) solution and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm using SpectraMax M2 microplate reader (Molecular Devices, San Jose,CA, USA). 4.4. Assessment of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation The ROS production was examined by 2, 7dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-dA) oxidation-sensitive fluorescent dye (Sigma). The MSCs (2 × 10 5 /well) were firstly cultured in culture plates (6 well) with pure FN or FN-AgNP coatings then incubated for 24 and 48 h. Afterwards, the cells were washed two steps with PBS and added PBS containing DCF-dA (20 μM, 500 μL) for 1 h incubation. Hereafter, FACS Calibur flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson) was applied to investigate the MSCs at 530 nm after excitation at 480 nm for 4 h. The ROS production was demonstrated an increase trend based on fluorescence intensity. The positive cells were detected by the FCS software. 4.5. Monocyte Activation Monocytes were obtained from whole blood of healthy volunteers through Percoll density gradient centrifugation (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) and culturing by the standard procedure . The cell concentration was adjusted to 1 × 10 5 cells/mL. Cells were stored in RPMI medium [10% FBS, 1% ( v/v ) antibiotic (10,000 U/mL penicillin G and 10 mg/mL streptomycin)]. Twenty-four well tissue culture plates with pure FN and FN-AgNP nanocomposites coatings were firstly prepared, then 1 mL of cell suspension (1 × 10 5 / mL ) was sequentially added into each well and incubated for 96 h to reach adherent (5% CO 2 ). Next, the cells were collected by trypsinization . Based on the different cell morphology, an inverted microscope was further applied to calculate the numbers of macrophages and monocytes. The conversion ratio was then semi-quantified. 4.6. Cytoskeleton of MSC In order to observe the cytoskeleton of MSCs, cells (5 × 10 3 /well) were cultured in 24 well plate containing pure FN and FN-AgNP on coverslip glass then incubated for 48 h. Cells culturing on blank coverslip glass was represented as the control group. Before the staining, MSCs were fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) coupled with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) for at least 15 min, then permeabilized with 0.5% ( v/v ) Triton-X 100 (Sigma) in PBS for another 10 min. To block non-specific interactions, 5% ( v/v ) Bovine Serum Albumin (Sigma) solution was used for the experiment. Ultimately, Rhodamine/phalloidin (6 μM, 30 min) and DAPI staining (1 μg/mL, 10 min) were performed to analyze cytoskeleton and nuclei in MSCs. The length of F-actin fiber in MSCs was measured as the ratio of the length of the existing active fiber to its potentially possible length restricted by cell margins. Length of F-actin fiber in MSCs were quantified using Image J (version 1.8.0_172) software by obtaining data from five different positions for each cell in the measurement ( n = 3). 4.7. Assessment of MSCs Migration A Oris Cell Migration Assay kit (Platypus Technologies, Madison, WI, USA) was applied to investigate cell migration. coating with pure FN and FN-AgNP were put into each well of the plates. Cell seeding stoppers (diameter 2 mm) was placed in the central area on the top of coverslip glasses, to prevent cells adhere to the center area of the well. The stopper in each well was seeded with the cell density of 8000 MSCs (100 μL/well) and incubated for 24 and 48 h to reach enrichment. Then the stoppers were removed from the culture plate, but remaining in several wells to represent as the pre-migration references. The seeded plates were incubated at the condition 37 °C/5% CO 2 then observed at 0 h for pre-migration, at 24 and 48 h for post-migration. Next, 200 μL of Calcein AM (Sigma, USA) (2 μM) solution supplemented with serum-free culture medium was added to the plates, then images were taken through a fluorescence microscope (Zeiss Axio Imager A1, White Plains, NY, USA). The migration distance of MSCs in detection area was semi-quantified based on fluorescence intensity and Image J 5.0 software. 4.8. Immunofluorescence Analysis of vWF, CD31 and CD68 Expression The MSCs (20,000 cells) were cultured in 24 well plate containing pure FN and FN-AgNP coatings on coverslip glass. The cultured cells were further fixed and permeabilized using PBS solution. The primary antibodies [anti- von Willebrand Factor (vWF), anti-CD31 (1:300 dilution) and anti-CD68 (1:150 dilution, Santa Cruz) antibodies] were used for overnight incubation. Then the cells need further washing steps. Afterwards, the secondary immunoglobulin, FITC-conjugate (1:300 dilution) was added for 1 h incubation. DAPI (1 mg/mL, Invitrogen) was added to locate cell nuclei then incubated for 10 min. Each cell suspension was added on microscope slides containing glycerol/PBS solution then cautiously sealed with synthetic mount after washes for further observation. 4.9. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Several ELISA kits (R&D Systems, USA) were purchased to investigate the expression of SDF-1α, VEGF and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1β, IL-6). The proteins were enriched in secretion by MSCs for the following measurements. The protein samples collected from MSCs were firstly detected with the primary antibody. Next, secondary antibody (HRP-conjugate) was used for signal amplification following with the manufacture’s instruction. Then the semi-quantitative results were analyzed through an ELISA reader. Quadruple experiments were proceeded to further obtain the data. 4.10. Gelatin Zymography Assay The MSCs (2 × 10 5 per well) were cultured in 6 well plate and incubated overnight to reach attachment. After 48 h, the culture medium was collected. The samples were separated by 10% SDS-PAGE with 2% gelatin, and the gel incubated with a pH 8.5 denaturing buffer (40 mM Tris-HCl, 0.2 M NaCl, 10 mM CaCl 2 , and 2.5% Triton X-100) for 30 min at RT. The gel was then slowly stirred at room temperature and equilibrated with a pH 8.5 development buffer (40 mM Tris- HCl, 0.2 M NaCl, 10 mM CaCl 2 , and 0.01% NaN 3 ) for 16–18 h to become activated in 37 °C water bath. Afterwards, the gel was stained with 0.2% Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (10% acetic acid, 50% methanol) and further washed with destaining buffer (10% acetic acid, 20% methanol). After Coomassie blue staining, the protease-digested gelatin area appeared as clear bands against blue-stained background. Hereafter, resulting gel was scanned in a densitometer and MMP gelatinase activity was semi-quantified through Image J 5.0. 4.11. Rat Subcutaneous Implantation 2–3 months olds of female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used in current study to investigate biocompatibility after implanting various nano-materials following the guidelines which were approved by Animal Care and Use Committee (La-1071565). The weight of rats was approximately 300–350 g for following experiments. After local anesthesia, the dorsal skin of each rat was incised for 10 mm to implant different nanomaterials. The wound tissue was resected for various investigations after 1 month. The capsule formation was examined through hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E staining) for six sites, then the average thickness of encapsulated fibrotic tissues was semi-quantified by using Image J 5.0 software. A Masson’s trichrome staining kit (Sigma) was applied to investigate collagen deposition, and the fibrosis tissue area incised from each rat was analyzed through Image J 5.0 software. To further evaluate macrophage polarization, primary anti-CD86 and anti-CD163 antibody (1:200 dilution) (Santa Cruz) were applied to evaluate the M1/M2 polarization. Further, the endothelialization marker CD31 was used to examine the differentiation capacity. Anti-Mouse Alexa Fluor ® 488 secondary antibodies were applied for signal amplification. DAPI was applied to locate cell nuclei. A fluorescence microscope was used to record fluorescent intensity and semi-quantitative results were measured by Image J 5.0 Pro Plus (Media Gybertics). Data were represented as mean ± SD ( n = 6). 4.12. Statistical Analysis The experiments in current research were independently performed in triplicate to avoid uncertainty. Data for each test ( n = 3–6) were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The single-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and student t -test methods were applied to reveal differences among various materials. Bonferroni was used for post hoc test for ANOVA. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 

The solution of human fibronectin was obtained through Millipore Corporation (USA) and the silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were purchased from GOLD NANOTECH, INC (Taiwan). The AgNP were dispersible into distilled water (~17.5 ppm). The size of silver nanoparticles could be mechanically controlled which was described in our previous study, and the diameter of the AgNP was approximately 5 nm . The preparation of FN-AgNP composites was mixed with pure FN solution (1 mg/mL) and various concentration of AgNP (~15.1, ~30.2 and ~75.5 ppm). The appropriate amount of pure FN and FN-AgNP nanocomposites at 20 μg/cm 2 were then coated on cell culture tissue dishes, culture plates, or round coverslip glasses (15 mm). The solution was adsorbed to the surface of each culture area for 30 min. Afterwards, the residual solution was removed to form FN and FN-AgNP thin films prior to proceeding further cell culture standard operating procedures for following experiments. 

Surface morphology of AgNP was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) (JEOL JEM-5200, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan). Surface topography were captured and the value of average roughness was further measured by Image J 5.0 software. TEM images were taken by transmission electron microscope (JEOL JEM-1010, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan) with the voltage setting up at 80 keV, then observed microstructure and particle size. For TEM imaging, 5 μL of nanoparticle solution was added onto copper grid then dried out at RT. Atomic force microscope (AFM) coupled with a scanner (100 μm, JEOL JSM-6700 F) was used to observe the surface morphology of FN and FN-AgNP dry coatings. Then the AFM measurements were processed through tapping mode with force constants of 21–78 N/m in air. The absorption spectrum of pure FN and FN-AgNP solutions were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Helios Zeta, USA). Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (IR Pretige-21, Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) was applied to analyze the chemical composition of each material. All samples were independently scanned for 8 times in the 400–4000 cm −1 spectral region with a 2 cm −1 resolution to obtain each spectrum. 

Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells  were harvested cautiously for the following in vitro and in vivo assay. The MSCs were cultured in high glucose DMEM medium (Invitrogen) with 10% FBS, 1% ( v/v ) antibiotics P/S and 1% of sodium pyruvate. Besides, MSCs maintained correct phenotypes at passages 8–20 . Human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). They can be cultured to higher passage numbers without appreciable loss of growth rate or phenotype, thus yielding more cells for the experiments. HSF were maintained in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) (Gibco) supplemented with 1% ( v/v ) antibodies (10,000 U/mL penicillin G and 10 mg/mL streptomycin), 2 mM glutamine, and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). 200 μL of cells was seeded into the bottom of a 96-well plate with pure FN or FN-AgNP coatings at the density of 6 × 10 3 cells/mL in each well. The cells seeded in blank well were represented as the control. The cells were further examined by MTT assay to evaluate cell viability after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The MTT [3-(4, 5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] solution (0.5 mg/mL) was added into each well for 3 h incubation (37 °C, 5% CO 2 ). Afterwards, the crystals were dissolved in dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) solution and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm using SpectraMax M2 microplate reader (Molecular Devices, San Jose,CA, USA). 

The ROS production was examined by 2, 7dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-dA) oxidation-sensitive fluorescent dye (Sigma). The MSCs (2 × 10 5 /well) were firstly cultured in culture plates (6 well) with pure FN or FN-AgNP coatings then incubated for 24 and 48 h. Afterwards, the cells were washed two steps with PBS and added PBS containing DCF-dA (20 μM, 500 μL) for 1 h incubation. Hereafter, FACS Calibur flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson) was applied to investigate the MSCs at 530 nm after excitation at 480 nm for 4 h. The ROS production was demonstrated an increase trend based on fluorescence intensity. The positive cells were detected by the FCS software. 

Monocytes were obtained from whole blood of healthy volunteers through Percoll density gradient centrifugation (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) and culturing by the standard procedure . The cell concentration was adjusted to 1 × 10 5 cells/mL. Cells were stored in RPMI medium [10% FBS, 1% ( v/v ) antibiotic (10,000 U/mL penicillin G and 10 mg/mL streptomycin)]. Twenty-four well tissue culture plates with pure FN and FN-AgNP nanocomposites coatings were firstly prepared, then 1 mL of cell suspension (1 × 10 5 / mL ) was sequentially added into each well and incubated for 96 h to reach adherent (5% CO 2 ). Next, the cells were collected by trypsinization . Based on the different cell morphology, an inverted microscope was further applied to calculate the numbers of macrophages and monocytes. The conversion ratio was then semi-quantified. 

In order to observe the cytoskeleton of MSCs, cells (5 × 10 3 /well) were cultured in 24 well plate containing pure FN and FN-AgNP on coverslip glass then incubated for 48 h. Cells culturing on blank coverslip glass was represented as the control group. Before the staining, MSCs were fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) coupled with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) for at least 15 min, then permeabilized with 0.5% ( v/v ) Triton-X 100 (Sigma) in PBS for another 10 min. To block non-specific interactions, 5% ( v/v ) Bovine Serum Albumin (Sigma) solution was used for the experiment. Ultimately, Rhodamine/phalloidin (6 μM, 30 min) and DAPI staining (1 μg/mL, 10 min) were performed to analyze cytoskeleton and nuclei in MSCs. The length of F-actin fiber in MSCs was measured as the ratio of the length of the existing active fiber to its potentially possible length restricted by cell margins. Length of F-actin fiber in MSCs were quantified using Image J (version 1.8.0_172) software by obtaining data from five different positions for each cell in the measurement ( n = 3). 

A Oris Cell Migration Assay kit (Platypus Technologies, Madison, WI, USA) was applied to investigate cell migration. coating with pure FN and FN-AgNP were put into each well of the plates. Cell seeding stoppers (diameter 2 mm) was placed in the central area on the top of coverslip glasses, to prevent cells adhere to the center area of the well. The stopper in each well was seeded with the cell density of 8000 MSCs (100 μL/well) and incubated for 24 and 48 h to reach enrichment. Then the stoppers were removed from the culture plate, but remaining in several wells to represent as the pre-migration references. The seeded plates were incubated at the condition 37 °C/5% CO 2 then observed at 0 h for pre-migration, at 24 and 48 h for post-migration. Next, 200 μL of Calcein AM (Sigma, USA) (2 μM) solution supplemented with serum-free culture medium was added to the plates, then images were taken through a fluorescence microscope (Zeiss Axio Imager A1, White Plains, NY, USA). The migration distance of MSCs in detection area was semi-quantified based on fluorescence intensity and Image J 5.0 software. 

The MSCs (20,000 cells) were cultured in 24 well plate containing pure FN and FN-AgNP coatings on coverslip glass. The cultured cells were further fixed and permeabilized using PBS solution. The primary antibodies [anti- von Willebrand Factor (vWF), anti-CD31 (1:300 dilution) and anti-CD68 (1:150 dilution, Santa Cruz) antibodies] were used for overnight incubation. Then the cells need further washing steps. Afterwards, the secondary immunoglobulin, FITC-conjugate (1:300 dilution) was added for 1 h incubation. DAPI (1 mg/mL, Invitrogen) was added to locate cell nuclei then incubated for 10 min. Each cell suspension was added on microscope slides containing glycerol/PBS solution then cautiously sealed with synthetic mount after washes for further observation. 

Several ELISA kits (R&D Systems, USA) were purchased to investigate the expression of SDF-1α, VEGF and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1β, IL-6). The proteins were enriched in secretion by MSCs for the following measurements. The protein samples collected from MSCs were firstly detected with the primary antibody. Next, secondary antibody (HRP-conjugate) was used for signal amplification following with the manufacture’s instruction. Then the semi-quantitative results were analyzed through an ELISA reader. Quadruple experiments were proceeded to further obtain the data. 

The MSCs (2 × 10 5 per well) were cultured in 6 well plate and incubated overnight to reach attachment. After 48 h, the culture medium was collected. The samples were separated by 10% SDS-PAGE with 2% gelatin, and the gel incubated with a pH 8.5 denaturing buffer (40 mM Tris-HCl, 0.2 M NaCl, 10 mM CaCl 2 , and 2.5% Triton X-100) for 30 min at RT. The gel was then slowly stirred at room temperature and equilibrated with a pH 8.5 development buffer (40 mM Tris- HCl, 0.2 M NaCl, 10 mM CaCl 2 , and 0.01% NaN 3 ) for 16–18 h to become activated in 37 °C water bath. Afterwards, the gel was stained with 0.2% Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (10% acetic acid, 50% methanol) and further washed with destaining buffer (10% acetic acid, 20% methanol). After Coomassie blue staining, the protease-digested gelatin area appeared as clear bands against blue-stained background. Hereafter, resulting gel was scanned in a densitometer and MMP gelatinase activity was semi-quantified through Image J 5.0. 

2–3 months olds of female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used in current study to investigate biocompatibility after implanting various nano-materials following the guidelines which were approved by Animal Care and Use Committee (La-1071565). The weight of rats was approximately 300–350 g for following experiments. After local anesthesia, the dorsal skin of each rat was incised for 10 mm to implant different nanomaterials. The wound tissue was resected for various investigations after 1 month. The capsule formation was examined through hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E staining) for six sites, then the average thickness of encapsulated fibrotic tissues was semi-quantified by using Image J 5.0 software. A Masson’s trichrome staining kit (Sigma) was applied to investigate collagen deposition, and the fibrosis tissue area incised from each rat was analyzed through Image J 5.0 software. To further evaluate macrophage polarization, primary anti-CD86 and anti-CD163 antibody (1:200 dilution) (Santa Cruz) were applied to evaluate the M1/M2 polarization. Further, the endothelialization marker CD31 was used to examine the differentiation capacity. Anti-Mouse Alexa Fluor ® 488 secondary antibodies were applied for signal amplification. DAPI was applied to locate cell nuclei. A fluorescence microscope was used to record fluorescent intensity and semi-quantitative results were measured by Image J 5.0 Pro Plus (Media Gybertics). Data were represented as mean ± SD ( n = 6). 

The experiments in current research were independently performed in triplicate to avoid uncertainty. Data for each test ( n = 3–6) were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The single-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and student t -test methods were applied to reveal differences among various materials. Bonferroni was used for post hoc test for ANOVA. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 

FN-AgNP nanocomposites containing various concentrations of AgNP (~15.1, ~30.2 and ~75.5 ppm) were created in an attempt to investigate the biocompatibility and biological performances of mesenchymal stem cells. Our findings indicated that FN-AgNP composites with 30.2 ppm of AgNP enhanced the cell viability of MSCs, and inhibited monocytes activation as well as attenuate ROS generation. Besides, FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm remarkably suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α , IL-1β, IL-6) in MSCs. The adhesion, migration, and differentiation ability of MSC on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm were significantly greater. The MMP enzymatic activities and expression of SDF-1α protein were also examined. The highest expression levels of MMP9 and SDF-1α were found from MSC on FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm. In vivo implantation showed that FN-AgNP 30.2 ppm had the lowest capsule formation, collagen deposition, and immune response. Moreover, the endothelial differentiation ability was enhanced by FN-AgNP nanocomposites in vivo. FN-AgNP nanocomposites may provide effective surface modification applications for vascular tissue regeneration. 

