This is the first study that explored the potential use of Zizyphus mauritiana seed extract (ZSE) to synthesize nano-fluorohydroxyapatite/carboxymethyl chitosan nanocomposite scaffolds at different concentrations (CFZ1, CFZ2 and CFZ3) using co-precipitation method. The proposed scaffolds showed presence of intermolecular H bonding interactions between the constituents, according to the FTIR. The mechanical studies revealed shore hardness of 72 ± 4.6 and optimal compressive modulus in case of CFZ3 [1654.48 ± 1.6 MPa], that was comparable with that of human cortical bone. The SEM, TEM and platelet adhesion images corroborated uniformly distributed needle like particles in case of CFZ3 with an average size ranging from 22 to 26 nm, linked rough morphology, and appropriate hemocompatibility. The markedly up regulation in the ALP activity and protein adsorption upon increasing ZSE concentration demonstrated that CFZ nanocomposite scaffolds were compatible with osteoblastic cells relative to CF nanocomposite. The cytotoxicity study indicated that CFZ nanocomposite do not induce toxicity over MG-63 and did not aggravate LDH leakage in contrast to CF. The histopathological investigations on albino rats confirmed significantly improved regeneration of bone in the repair of a critical-size [8 mm] calvarium defect. Therefore, CFZ3 nanocomposite scaffold represents a simple, off-the-shelf solution to the combined challenges associated with bone defects.
Keywords: Cranial defect; Nano-fluorohydroxyapatite; Zizyphus mauritiana.
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