Synthesis of Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine-Gallium Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

<b>Aim:</b> To established a simple, controlled and reproducible method to synthesize gallium (Ga)-coated polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles (NPs). <b>Materials & methods:</b> PDA NPs were synthesized in alkali medium with posterior Ga shell formation due to ion chelation on the NP surface. <b>Results:</b> The obtained results with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of Ga on the PDA NP surface. The cytotoxicity of Ga-coated PDA NPs was evaluated <i>in vitro</i> at different concentrations in contact with human adipose-derived stem cells. Further cell analysis also demonstrated the benefit of Ga-coated PDA NPs, which increased the cell proliferation rate compared with noncoated PDA NPs. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study indicated that Ga could work as an appropriate shell for PDA NPs, inducing cell proliferation at the analyzed concentrations.