Injectable carboxymethyl chitosan/oxidized dextran hydrogels containing zoledronic acid modified strontium...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Nanocomposite hydrogels offer potential for bone regeneration by combining inorganic and polymeric components.
• Developing advanced materials is crucial for improving orthopedic and craniofacial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel nanocomposite hydrogels incorporating zoledronic acid-modified strontium hydroxyapatite nanoparticles within a carboxymethyl chitosan/oxidized dextran matrix.
• To evaluate the physical properties and in vitro biological performance of these hydrogels for bone tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of strontium hydroxyapatite nanoparticles modified with zoledronic acid.
• Incorporation of modified nanoparticles into carboxymethyl chitosan/oxidized dextran hydrogels.
• Characterization using SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, rheological measurements, and in vitro cell studies.

Main Results:

• Hydroxyapatite nanoparticle incorporation significantly improved hydrogel rheological properties.
• Strontium addition to hydroxyapatite nanoparticles enhanced cell proliferation.
• Zoledronic acid modification led to increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit excellent potential for orthopedic and craniofacial applications.
• Properties include injectability, antibacterial activity, and self-healing capabilities, promoting tissue regeneration.
• These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of tailored nanocomposite hydrogels in bone repair.