Nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan scaffold incorporating bamboo, ginseng and saponin for bone repair against chondroid injury in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by cartilage degradation and subchondral bone deterioration. This study presents a novel nano-hydroxyapatite loaded chitosan scaffold incorporating bamboo, ginseng, and saponin (nHA@Chi/B+G+SA) for targeted bone repair and cartilage regeneration in OA. The scaffold was fabricated via freeze-drying and characterised using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX, confirming the successful integration of hydroxyapatite and bioactive plant-derived components. In vitro biomineralisation in simulated body fluid (SBF) demonstrated apatite formation, indicating excellent osteoconductivity. The nHA@Chi/B+G+SA effectively promoted the formation of an apatite layer to provide a supportive environment for chondrocytes. Cytocompatibility testing of MC3T3-E1 cells revealed high viability (>90%) and enhanced ALP activity, confirming their osteogenic potential. Mechanical testing revealed improved compressive strength and elasticity within the range of native bone, which was attributed to bamboo reinforcement. Furthermore, the scaffold exhibited controlled drug release and biodegradability, suitable for localised therapeutic delivery. The multifunctional design and bioactivity of the nHA@Chi/B+G+SA scaffold highlight its potential as a promising platform for OA management and bone tissue engineering.