Biocompatibility and antioxidant effects of hydroxyapatite-quercetin composites: in vitro and in ovo studies

Hydroxyapatite (HaP) is a biomaterial valued for its biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties, making it suitable for implantology and tissue engineering. The natural flavonoid quercetin (Q) exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that support wound healing and reduce oxidative stress. This study assessed the combined impact of HaP and Q on fibroblast viability, oxidative stress markers, and cell migration. The in ovo model evaluated systemic effects via morphometric parameters and oxidative stress in embryonic liver tissue.Results show that Q significantly decreased oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and reducing intracellular ROS levels in fibroblasts and embryonic liver (p < 0.05). HaP alone induced a mild pro-oxidant response, but its combination with Q (QHaP) led to a marked reduction in oxidative stress markers, indicating a protective synergistic effect. Scratch assay revealed that Q and QHaP enhanced fibroblast migration at all concentrations, with HaP₁₀ showing the highest wound closure (93.8%) and QHaP₁₀ reaching 89.9% (p < 0.05). The in ovo model confirmed that QHaP-treated embryos developed normally, while Q improved embryonic antioxidant defenses. These findings suggest that QHaP composites are promising biocompatible materials that reduce oxidative stress and promote fibroblast migration for wound healing and tissue regeneration.