Synthesis of novel antibacterial and biocompatible polymer nanocomposite based on polysaccharide gum hydrogels

Abstract

According to recent studies on the benefits of natural polymer-based hydrogels in biomedical applications, gellan gum (GG)/acacia gum (AG) hydrogel was prepared in this study. In order to regulate the mechanical behavior of the hydrogel, graphite carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was included in the hydrogel matrix. In addition, metal oxide nanoparticles ZnCuFe₂O₄ were added to the composite for antibacterial activity. The prepared GG–AG hydrogel/g-C₃N₄/ZnCuFe₂O₄ nanobiocomposite was characterized by using FE-SEM, FTIR, EDX, XRD and TGA. The nanobiocomposite exhibited spherical morphology, which was related to the incorporation of the metal oxide nanoparticles. GG–AG hydrogel/g-C₃N₄/ZnCuFe₂O₄ nanobiocomposite showed 95.11%, 92.73% and 88.97% biocompatibility toward HEK293T cell lines within 24 h, 48 h and 72 h incubation, respectively, which indicates that this nanobiocomposite is completely biocompatible with healthy cells. Also, the nanobiocomposite was able to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on its surface up to 87%. Rheological studies showed that the nanobiocomposite has a viscoelastic structure and has a water uptake ratio of 93.2%. In comparison with other similar studies, this nanobiocomposite has exhibited superior antibacterial activity complete biocompatibility and proper mechanical properties, high swelling and water absorption capability. These results indicate that GG–AG hydrogel/g-C₃N₄/ZnCuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite can be considered as a potential candidate for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and wound healing.