Preparation of nanobiocomposite 45S5 bioactive glass with nano-hydroxyapatite-chitosan powders and characterization, mechanical and biological properties in-vitro

Abstract

In bone tissue engineering, combining bioceramics and biopolymers is highly promising. In this study, bioactive glass (BG), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and chitosan nanoparticles (CS) are used to develop (BG-HA-CS) nanobiocomposites with enhanced bio-functional properties for promoting bone tissue formation and regeneration due to their excellent biocompatibility and ability to support cell proliferation. BG is synthesized at nano-scale using the sol–gel method, and different ratios of BG/HA/CS are prepared using hydraulic pressing. The nanobiocomposites are sintered at 1000 °C under controlled heat treatment. Characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are used to evaluate apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF). In vitro bioactivity and biodegradation are assessed by soaking samples in SBF for 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Physical properties such as apparent porosity, water absorption, and apparent density, along with mechanical properties (Vickers micro hardness), are evaluated. Antibiofilm activity is tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Results showed porosity of 57.5%, water absorption of 41.3%, density of 1.29 g/cm³, and micro hardness of 72.52 MPa at 20% CS content. Increasing CS enhanced bioactivity and biodegradation. The nanobiocomposites exhibited high antibiofilm activity (93.5% against Staphylococcus aureus and 87.8% against Klebsiella pneumoniae), indicating their potential for bone repair and regeneration.