Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/Ag@hydroxyapatite nanocomposite films for osteoregeneration: Insights into mechanical properties, biological performance, and drug release

Abstract

Biopolymers based composites have contributed significantly to the advancement of biocompatibility in the field of biomedical applications. Hence, the appropriate biopolymers and their composites to generate effective biocomposite were prepared by combining chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ceramic nanofiller hydroxyapatite (HAp), and silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) in casting method. The physicochemical behaviour showed the nanofiller enhances matrixes bonding, improving mechanical strength (6.8 MPa, elongation at break (∼11 %)) and thermal stability (enthalpy ΔH= 21989.8108 J/g), ensured interaction between them. In swelling and contact angle value (69 ± 2.0°) of the composite are modified with improved hydrophilicity on the surface area (15.9 m²/g) attributed the mesopores distribution. The 21.6 % of silver incorporation in the polymer matrix is to release of 0.0525 ppm by the swelling kinetics mechanism (R²=0.997). The gradual and controlled release of AgNPs effectively enhances antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with zone inhibition of 19 ± 0.1 mm and 21 ± 0.1 mm, respectively. Further enhanced the cell adhesion and proliferation of human bone osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 IC₅₀ (12.17 at 100 µg) (P < 0.001), and suggesting a potential of inhibition ability with different images on AO-EB staining. The biocomposite exhibits non-cytotoxicity and biocompatibility towards the human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cell line. The development of a CS/PVA/Ag@HAp biocomposite combined properties make it a multifunctional material maintaining biocompatibility suitable for antimicrobial and osteosarcoma treatment.