Sol–Gel Synthesized Silica/Sodium Alginate Hybrids: Comprehensive Physico-Chemical and Biological Characterization

The development of biomaterials with tailored properties is indispensable for biomedical applications. In this study, amorphous silica/sodium alginate (SiO₂/SA) hybrids were synthesized via the sol-gel method by incorporating 2, 5, and 8% sodium alginate into the silica matrix. The hybrids were characterized to evaluate their structural, surface, thermal, moisture-responsive, and biological properties. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation of organic-inorganic networks and amorphous structures. BET measurements revealed a specific surface area of 325 m²/g for SiO₂/SA2%, decreasing with higher SA content to 104.3 m²/g for SiO₂/SA8%; the moisture sorption capacity followed a similar trend. Thermal analysis indicated improved stabilization of the polymer within the silica matrix. Cytotoxicity tests on HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cells line revealed moderate toxicity for the SiO₂/SA2% hybrid (~40% cell viability inhibition (CVI)), while increasing the SA content reduced cytotoxicity, with a CVI of 33% for SiO₂/SA5% and ~15% for SiO₂/SA8%, all within non-toxic ranges according to ISO standards. The SiO₂/SA5% hybrid demonstrated the best balance between functional properties and biocompatibility. These preliminary results suggest that further optimization with intermediate SA concentrations (e.g., 6-7%) could further reduce cytotoxicity while maintaining desirable properties, supporting the potential of silica/sodium alginate hybrids in future biomedical applications.