Synthesis and biological evaluation of hydroxyapatite Ferulic acid nanocomposite for osteomyelitis prevention and osteosarcoma inhibition

Abstract

Osteomyelitis and osteosarcoma are challenging bone disorders requiring biomaterials to combat bacterial colonization and suppress tumor cell proliferation. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a benchmark bone material but lacks anti-bacterial activity and ability to induce apoptosis. Ferulic acid (FA) was incorporated into HAP via ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal synthesis as a chelating agent and bioactive modifier. The synthesized HAP–FA nanocomposite was characterized using various physicochemical techniques. It exhibited significant anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, achieving a 1-log reduction in colony-forming units, along with moderate antioxidant potential. MTT assay results in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, the nanocomposite induced complete cell death at 100 μg/mL with an IC50 of 47.82 μg/mL. In contrast, MC3T3 pre-osteoblast cells maintained 93% viability at 200 μg/mL, demonstrating good biocompatibility. Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometric result confirmed early apoptosis (49.23%) with minimal necrosis (0.19%), indicating apoptotic pathway activation. Hence, HAP–FA nanocomposite represents a promising candidate for osteomyelitis prevention and osteosarcoma suppression.