Integrated network pharmacology and bio-functional chitosan-hydroxyapatite scaffolds incorporating quercetin for enhanced bone regeneration in articular cartilage defects

Bone tissue engineering offers a viable alternative to traditional bone and chondral transplant procedures, promoting new tissue formation for persistent repair and remodelling in complex bone and cartilage lesions. To foster bone repair, this study explores a novel chitosan-based scaffold incorporating quercetin and hydroxyapatite (HAP) for treating articular cartilage defects. Chitosan, a biopolymer with natural flavonoid quercetin, has been shown to influence cell signalling pathways, division, proliferation, and apoptosis, while HAP, an apatite mineral, could mimic bone extracellular matrix. Primarily Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the mechanism of quercetin for inflammation. SEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction assessed the structural and chemical properties of the scaffold. The biochemical characterization determined the swelling, porosity and biodegradation potential of the fabricated biomaterial for bone regeneration potential. Acute toxicity of quercetin, HAP and chitosan was assessed in zebrafish embryos. Thus, this research underscores the potential of the Quercetin-Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite scaffold as a viable approach for articular cartilage defects. This study proves that it would be an efficient treatment opportunity by imitating the structure and function of native bone tissue, ultimately resulting in better treatment outcomes for articular cartilage defects.