Synergistic effects of Psidium guajava and copper nanoparticles reinforced hybrid Hydrogel for tissue engineering

Abstract

Hydrogels are biopolymers proficient in engrossing much water in their 3D network structure. However, single-polymer hydrogels frequently experience poor physio-mechanical properties, confining their border applications. The present work concentrated on developing chemically crosslinked hydrogels using the terpolymerization of gelatin (GEL), guar gum (GGM), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava leaf (EPG) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were added to enhance the biomechanical properties of the developed hydrogels. Hydrogels' viscoelastic, mechanical, swelling, and cytotoxicity properties were assessed. All the hydrogels exhibited a porous-like structure with a swelling index of 230–280 %. A compressive strength of 5 MPa with splendid chondrocyte viability was noticed in the hydrogels comprised of EPG and CuNPs. The multiple interactions among the polymer chains impart better frequency and shear strain-dependent behavior. The time-dependent frictional behavior of hydrogel under the lubrication of artificial synovial fluid reveals the decreased coefficient of friction over time. The performance of the hybrid hydrogel enhanced with EPG and CuNPs was superior, making it a promising material for tissue engineering applications.