Green-Synthesized
Nano-Hydroxyapatite using Terminalia arjuna enhancing Osteogenesis in MG-63 Cells:
A Promising Approach for Bone Regeneration
Suba Sri M. and Usha R.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(11); 154-173;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2011rjbt1540173; (2025)
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biologically unique extremely bioactive, osteoconductive
and biodegradable calcium phosphate which is chemically and structurally similar
to the mineral phase of natural bone. It is the material of choice for bone regeneration
and tissue engineering applications. In the current work nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA)
was synthesized by eco-friendly co-precipitation method using Terminalia arjuna
bark extract known for its rich phytochemical profile, medicinal properties, reducing
and stabilizing potential. The developed nHA materials were then characterized using
a number of physicochemical techniques such as UV-Visible spectroscopy in which
surface plasmon resonance was observed, X-ray diffraction was performed to calculate
the crystallite size, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was done to identify
the major important functional groups. Particle size distribution analysis reveals
the uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the size range from 50 to 100 nm. The
antimicrobial activity of the developed nano particle was tested against both Gram-positive
and Gram-negative bacterial strains showing strong anti-bacterial property.
Besides, the nHA was electrospun into a nanofibrous scaffold through electrospinning
which resembles the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native bone tissue. The developed
scaffold was then subjected to mechanical characterization to ensure accuracy in
stress/strain analysis and biocompatibility by simulated body fluid study. In vitro
cytotoxicity testing was done to determine the toxicity of the developed scaffold.
Cell viability of 77.16 % in 25 μg/mL sample concentration was observed against
chemically induced bone loss. The early osteogenesis process was determined by alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) activity in which the highest ALP production was observed as 5.123
ng/ml and late osteogenesis was evaluated by calcium mineralization assay by alizarin
red S staining. The results showed that the synthesized nHA from T. arjuna bark
extract exhibits osteoprotective effects with increased osteogenic differentiation
of MG-63 cells. The results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Terminalia
arjuna mediated nano-hydroxyapatite as a next-generation bioceramic material with
potential uses in bone grafts, orthopedic implants and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
