Tannic Acid-Loaded Antibacterial Hydroxyapatite-Zirconia Composite for Dental Applications

The development of advanced biomaterials for dental applications has gained significant attention due to the need for enhanced mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is widely used in bone tissue engineering owing to its chemical similarities to bone. However, biofilm formation and bacterial infection on HA may lead to implant failure and revision surgery. Tannic acid, a polyphenolic compound with strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, was incorporated into the composite to provide antimicrobial effects, that may address the challenge of biofilm formation on dental surfaces. In this study, the biomedical potential of tannic acid (TA)-loaded hydroxyapatite-zirconia composites were analyzed. The crystallization characteristics, functional groups, and morphology were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. The biocompatibility of composite samples was analyzed through <i>in vitro</i> cell culture studies. The combined effect of TA and zirconia showed antibacterial efficacy against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) after 24 h of sample-bacterial interactions. The results demonstrate that this tannic acid-loaded hydroxyapatite-zirconia composite holds significant promise for improving the performance of dental materials and preventing infections in oral healthcare applications.