Fabrication of cellulose nanocrystal-decorated hydroxyapatite nanostructures using ultrasonication for biomedical applications

In this study, we have successfully synthesized cellulose nanocrystal/hydroxyapatite nanostructure (CN/HAP) hybrids using Phoenix dactylifera lignocellulosic biomass and eggshell as bio-precursors. CN/HAP nanohybrids were synthesized via ultrasonication. The prepared nanohybrids were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and FTIR results indicate CN/HAP hybrid formation. TEM images displayed ~10 to 50 nm HAP nanoparticles decorated on 100 to 200 nm CN matrix. Cell viability assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining results revealed that CN/HAP nanohybrids do not alter cell viability and morphology, indicating that nanohybrids are non-toxic and biocompatible. CN/HAP nanohybrids increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium nodule formation with upregulation of osteogenic marker (BMP-2, BMP-4, ALP, and BGLAP) gene expression in hMSCs. Overall, the findings suggest that agro-waste-derived CN/HAP hybrids can be suitable for bone tissue engineering applications.