Synthesis of Ti-coated Chitosan with Selenium, Zinc Oxide and Zirconium Nanocomposites by Electroplating Method: Characterizations and Biological Applications

Objectives: The aim of this work was to fabricate a biocompatible nanocomposite by combining titanium-coated chitosan with selenium, zinc oxide and zirconium nanoparticles through an electroplating technique to enhance biological functionality. Methods: Chitosan substrates were coated with titanium using electroplating followed by the incorporation of Se, ZnO and Zr nanoparticles. The resulting nanocomposites were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy, UV-DRS, Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate structural, chemical, elemental composition and morphological features. Antibacterial efficiency and cytocompatibility were assessed through in vitro biological assays. Findings: Characterization results confirmed the formation of a stable titanium-reinforced chitosan matrix with uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. Compared to pristine chitosan, the nanocomposite exhibited improved structural integrity and surface features. Biological studies showed a statistically significant enhancement in antibacterial and antifungal activity (p < 0.05) attributed to the synergistic action of Se, ZnO, and Zr nanoparticles, while maintaining high cell viability with negligible cytotoxic effects. Novelty: This study demonstrates a distinct electroplating-based route for integrating multiple bioactive nanoparticles into a titanium-modified chitosan framework, offering a multifunctional biomaterial with enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and preserved cytocompatibility for biomedical applications. Keywords: Chitason, Titanium, Selenium, Zirconium and ZnO nanoparticles, UV, UV-DRS, XRD and FTIR