Design of Nanohydroxyapatite/Pectin Composite from Opuntia Ficus-Indica Cladodes for the Management of Microbial Infections

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) attracts interest as a biomaterial for use in bone substitution or allografts. In the current work, biomaterial nanocomposites based on HAp and pectin were synthesized by using the double decomposition method, which involved using pectin extracted from fresh cladodes of the prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica. The crystallinity, purity, and several analytical techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy were used to understand the surface’s shape. The results revealed that the produced HAp/pectin nanoparticles are pure, spherical, and amorphous. The spectroscopic data indicated a substantial interaction between HAp and pectin, specifically between Ca (II) and pectin hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The presence of pectin showed a noticeable influence on the prepared nanocomposite texture and porosity. We further assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the developed nanocomposite against a number of pathogenic bacteria and fungi, evaluated by the well diffusion method. In the absence of pectin, the XRD analysis revealed that the HAp nanoparticles had 10.93% crystallinity. When the pectin concentration reached 10 wt.%, it was reduced to approximately 7.29%. All synthesized nanocomposites demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria in addition to various fungi (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium funiculosum, and Trichoderma viride). This study endorses the HAp/Pectin nanocomposite as an efficient antimicrobial material for biomedical advanced applications.

Polysaccharide Hydroxyapatite (Nano)composites and Their Biomedical Applications: An Overview of Recent Years

“…In this sense, some of this research is reported here, emphasizing the synthesis and surface characteristics, such as the size and distribution of the particles, and the functional groups of the composite systems in focus: alginate@ HAp, 103−107 chitosan@HAp, 115−117 and pectin@HAp. 118 Therefore, the use of various natural and synthetic polymers as templates for the growth of HAp allowed the production of materials that will serve as a support for osteogenic activity. In this way, HAp and bioactive molecules, such as polysaccharides and proteins, are possible in the preparation of biomaterials, as these bioactive molecules will function as an organic template during the preparation of these different structures that help in the repair and construction of bone tissue.…”

“…Over the years, different routes for obtaining of nanostructured polysaccharide@HAp systems have been developed to achieve specific properties and characteristics for different applications. In this sense, some of this research is reported here, emphasizing the synthesis and surface characteristics, such as the size and distribution of the particles, and the functional groups of the composite systems in focus: alginate@HAp, − chitosan@HAp, − and pectin@HAp …”

“…In this sense, some of this research is reported here, emphasizing the synthesis and surface characteristics, such as the size and distribution of the particles, and the functional groups of the composite systems in focus: alginate@HAp, 103 − 107 chitosan@HAp, 115 − 117 and pectin@HAp. 118 …”

Single-Walled (Magnetic) Carbon Nanotubes in a Pectin Matrix in the Design of an Allantoin Delivery System

“…One of the strategies used to enhance its mechanical properties is the addition of nanoparticles or small organic molecules to the pectin matrix. In this way, while the mechanical properties of the pectin matrix become resistant against forces, drug release behaviors, − antimicrobial activity, and bioactive ability also improved, i.e., two birds with one stone.…”

Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel In (1 M Hcl) Solution Using Plant Extract and The Synergistic Effect of Iodide Ions

“…°ranging between (− 19.271 𝐾𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙) and (− 22.093 𝐾𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙) indicate that the adsorption process occurred spontaneously. In general, it has already been found that values of ∆Gads equal to -20 kJ/mol are compatible with physical adsorption or those up to -40 kJ/mol or above with chemical adsorption[26] …”