Bone-Healing Activity of Galanthus nivalis Extract-Impregnated Alginate/Chitosan Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Abstract

In this study, Galanthus nivalis extract was incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles and the resulting particles were loaded into alginate/chitosan scaffolds for the treatment of calvarial defects in a rat model. Cell viability assay, cytoprotection assay, scanning electron microcopy assay, cell migration assay, swelling assay, biodegradation assay, antiinflammatory assay, compressive strength measurement, and porosity assays were performed for characterizing the composite sponges. In Vitro studies showed that the scaffolds had a porous architecture and protected cells against oxidative stress. In Vivo study showed that bone healing activity of Galanthus nivalis extract-loaded scaffolds was significantly greater than polymer-only scaffolds and control group. Gene expression studies showed that the expression levels of osteopontin, collagen type 1, osteonectin, and TGF-B genes was improved in the Galanthus nivalis extract-containing scaffolds. This preliminary research shows that the combination of herbal medicine principles with bone tissue engineering is an effective strategy to treat bone injuries.