Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Properties of Marine Shell-Derived Hydroxyapatite and Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan/Curcumin Scaffolds for Defected Bone Repair

Introduction: We report the development of a multifunctional scaffold for bone tissue engineering, incorporating hydroxyapatite (HAp) derived from marine shells. To enhance bioactivity and mechanical stability, the scaffold was reinforced with chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and curcumin. Methods: Marine shells were cleaned, calcined to obtain calcium oxide (CaO), and subsequently reacted with phosphoric acid to synthesize HAp. The composite scaffold (HPCC) was prepared by blending HAp with chitosan, PVA, and curcumin, followed by freeze-drying to achieve a porous structure. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Shigella sonnei, while biocompatibility was assessed using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells through the MTT assay. Results: FTIR, XRD, and FESEM analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of all components and the structural stability of the HPCC scaffold. The scaffold demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to the PVA/chitosan (PC) control, with inhibition zones increasing proportionally to the curcumin concentration. Cell viability assays showed 77.12% viability, indicating effective osteoblast adhesion and proliferation. Discussion: The addition of curcumin enhanced the antimicrobial effectiveness of the scaffold while maintaining biocompatibility. Chitosan and PVA provided a stable matrix, and HAp contributed osteoconductive properties. Conclusion: The HPCC scaffold demonstrated a synergistic combination of antimicrobial efficiency, osteoconductivity, and biocompatibility. These properties highlight its strong potential as a bioactive material for bone regeneration, particularly in infection-prone environments.