A Comparative Evaluation of Chitosan Biopolymer Permeated Nanohydroxyapatite Composite Loaded with Copper and Gold Metal Nanoparticles for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

The emphasis of current tissue engineering research is on the fabrication of innovative ceramic/polymer composite materials envisaging scaffolds with enhanced tissue regenerative efficacy and osteoconductivity. In this study, hydroxyapatite a bioceramic and organic polymer chitosan renowned for their biocompatibility and bioactivity are amalgamated to synthesize a nanocomposite via sol gel method.  Further, the infusion of copper /gold metal nanoparticles in the biocomposite are executed to augment physicochemical properties, promote cellular interaction, viability and antimicrobial efficacy. The physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of synthesized pure hydroxyapatite and its composites are evaluated. Visible broadening of XRD diffractogram peaks on composite assembly evinces bonds linking the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with the chitosan matrix.  The UV-Vis absorptions and the   functional groups identified from the FTIR spectra substantiate the formation of pure hydroxyapatite and its metal infused composites with chitosan. Surface morphology evaluated by HR-SEM reveals the suppression of the rod-shaped morphology of hydroxyapatite on composite formation. Fabricated composites display enhanced antibacterial activity primarily due to the chelating nature of the cationic functional groups in chitosan-metal complexes as evidenced from the well diffusion analysis. Antifungal potency against C.albicans is found to be impressive. Reduced antioxidant activity of synthesized composites, evaluated by DPPH free radicals scavenging analysis was attributed to intra- and inter- hydrogen bond networks on composite formation. The non-toxicity of synthesized samples against normal L929 (Mouse Fibroblast) cell line was established via MTT assay method.