Physicochemical characteristics of titanium dioxide/chitosan/hyaluronic acid biomaterial in relation to antibacteriality and biocompatibility

The primary goal of this research was the multi-aspect physicochemical characterisation of a hybrid material based on chitosan, a hyaluronic acid, and TiO2 in terms of antibacterial and biocompatible properties. To harness their natural potential, chitosan and hyaluronic acid were employed, as well as titanium(IV) oxide to enhance mechanical stability. The physicochemical behaviour and stability of binary and ternary systems were investigated, along with wettability, topography and surface free energy. Biomimetic methods were used to approximate the behaviour and interactions of components within individual dispersions with representative phospholipids of model biological membranes. Understanding these parameters is essential for the proper functioning of the biomaterial within a living organism. Two different types of phospholipids (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) were selected for the study of cell membranes. In contrast, the sodium salt of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) was used as a typical bacterial model. The obtained results confirmed the possibility of potential applications of the spectrum of chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based systems in the cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical industries.