In-situ fabrication and biofunctional evaluation of a ZIF-67/Fe₃O₄-integrated xanthan gum–cellulose nanocomposite for antibacterial, Cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility applications

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents the in-situ fabrication and biological evaluation of a ZIF-67/Fe₃O₄-integrated xanthan gum-cellulose (XG-Cell) nanocomposite, designed for biomedical applications that demand strong antibacterial activity, high cytocompatibility, and minimal hemolytic activity.

Methodology

The XG-Cell/ZIF-67/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was synthesized through a three-step process: (1) crosslinking of xanthan gum and cellulose (XG-Cell), (2) ZIF-67 integration into the hydrogel matrix, and (3) in-situ Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle synthesis. The material was characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, TGA, and VSM. Biological assessments included cytocompatibility (MTT assay), hemocompatibility (hemolysis assay), and antibacterial efficacy (P. aeruginosa).

Findings

The nanocomposite exhibited uniform nanoscale morphology (60–80 nm), superparamagnetic behavior (24.38 emu/g), and high thermal stability. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed over 95 % viability in HEK293T cells, and hemolysis remained below 2 %, meeting ISO 10993-5:1992 standards. The material demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, inhibiting biofilm formation by 75 % compared to polystyrene.

Originality

Unlike previous reports that incorporate either ZIF-67 or Fe₃O₄ independently, this study presents a unique nanocomposite that integrates both components within a xanthan gum–cellulose hydrogel matrix via stepwise synthesis. This design enables synergistic enhancement of antibacterial, cytocompatible, and hemocompatible properties, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications such as wound healing, drug delivery systems, and antibacterial coatings.