Barbaloin-Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite Composite: A Novel Approach of Bone Tissue Engineering Application for Dental Implant Material Development

Abstract

Dental implants are a common solution for tooth loss, however traditional procedures involve multiple phases, extended recovery times, and high costs. To overcome these challenges, this study explores a novel chitosan (CH)-based implant material incorporating barbaloin (BR) and hydroxyapatite (HAP), fabricated using the sol-gel method. Barbaloin, a bioactive compound derived from Aloe vera, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a promising additive for enhancing scaffold bioactivity. This study investigates the effects of varying barbaloin concentrations on the physicochemical and biological properties of the BR/CH/HAP composite scaffold. Structural and chemical characterization was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Biochemical assessments, including swelling behavior, porosity, and scavenging potential, were conducted to evaluate its suitability for bone regeneration. Additionally, in vitro biocompatibility was assessed using human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells, while acute toxicity of BR was evaluated in zebrafish embryos. The findings highlight the BR/CH/HAP scaffold as a promising biomaterial that mimics the structure and function of native bone tissue, offering an effective and biocompatible alternative for dental implants. This study underscores its potential as a next-generation implant material, paving the way for improved and cost-effective dental treatments.