Enhanced osteoconductivity of green synthesized hydroxyapatite-functionalized Nd2O3/Fe3O4 nanocomposite using Elaeagnus angustifolia L. seed extract

This study describes the green synthesis of a neodymium oxide/magnetic iron oxide (Nd₂O₃/Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite, functionalized with hydroxyapatite, using Elaeagnus angustifolia L. seeds extract. Then the effectiveness of electrospun polycaprolactone-collagen (PCL-COL) loaded with nanoparticles composites as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering was evaluated. The synthesis of nanoparticles and their elemental identification were confirmed using XRD, FT-IR, and EDX techniques. The DLS, TEM, and SEM analysis demonstrated the generation of Nd-Fe₃O₄@HAp NPs with an average diameter of 14-18 nm. Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) validated the ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic characteristics of the nanoparticles. Tensile and contact angle analysis revealed that NP-loaded electrospun scaffolds exhibited markedly enhanced mechanical characteristics and hydrophilicity relative to pristine polymer specimens, owing to the homogeneous distribution of nanofillers throughout the polymer fibers. Additionally, cellular investigations and osteogenic potential were evaluated in vitro using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Assessments of cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation of ADMSCs were conducted using SEM observation and thiazolyl blue (MTT) test. The osteogenic differentiation potential of ADMSCs on the fabricated nanofiber scaffolds was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium content test, and western blot analysis. ADMSCs showed better initial adherence and infiltration in nanoparticle-enhanced scaffolds compared to PCL/COL scaffolds. Additionally, our Western blot analysis demonstrated that scaffolds can effectively induce osteogenic differentiation in ADMSCs by up-regulating key proteins associated with osteogenesis (p-value < 0.0001). Thus, nanoparticle-loaded electrospun nanofibers exhibit considerable potential as effective scaffolds for applications in bone tissue engineering.