Vitex leucoxylon extract conjugated CMC membrane for bone regeneration, wound healing, and anticancer applications

Phytochemicals have gained importance due to their diverse applications in the biomedical and pharmacological fields. The present study was designed to evaluate the biomedical applications and characterization of Vitex leucoxylon extract conjugated CMC membranes. Phyto-conjugated CMC membranes were prepared through solvent casting technique and characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX and contact angle analysis. Antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH assay; inflammatory marker study was conducted based on COX-2 inhibition study; hemocompatibility nature was evaluated using hemolysis; cytotoxicity and anticancer activity against triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB231 cell line was screened using MTT assay; and bone cell regeneration study was conducted using MG-63 cell line. Phyto-conjugated CMC membranes showed the presence of secondary metabolites which was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Surface morphology and EDX analysis confirmed conjugation of plant extract within the membranes. XRD revealed the change in the nature of the phyto-conjugated membrane with changes in the peak values. Wettability nature was revealed by the contact angle. Physical properties such as water vapor transmission rate (0.670%), moisture retention (92.60%), and swelling ability (68.76%) revealed optimum characteristics of the membrane. In vitro studies showed significant antioxidant activity and COX-2 inhibition. The phyto-conjugated CMC membranes showed excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. The anticancer activity was confirmed by the cytotoxicity results (IC₅₀ = 157.74 µg/mL). Moreover, in vitro bone cell regeneration and migration assay results illustrated prominent bone cell regeneration (87.88%) and cell migration characteristics. These findings open new avenues for the development of advanced biomaterials, significantly enhancing the efficacy of bone tissue regeneration, wound healing, and targeted anticancer therapies.