Development of ZrO2-chitosan-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite films from Fish bone meal waste for biomedical applications

This study describes a simple way for making films from natural sources, which is relevant since there is a rising demand for new materials that can make biocompatible films that are both effective and economical for use in biomedical applications. Fish bone waste and chitosan, a natural polymer used to manufacture thin films, are the sources of hydroxyapatites. The addition of zirconia (ZrO2) to the thin films created a new nanocomposite known as ZrO2-Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite (Zr-CS-HAP) films. These films demonstrated biocompatibility and have the potential to be produced in huge quantities. The structural, morphological, and biological studies were explored for possible biomedical applications like wound dressing, bone tissue regeneration, etc. The films showed good anti-oxidant and UV-protecting properties. Cytotoxicity of films by MTT test suggests that HeLa cell lines showed moderate to good cytotoxicity and better cervical properties. The films tested for Apoptosis-Necrosis in HeLa cells showed induced apoptosis of 52% and Necrosis of 21.3% in HeLa cells, similar to standard control.