Ginger extract loaded Fe₂O₃/MgO‐doped hydroxyapatite: Evaluation of biological properties for bone–tissue engineering

Abstract

Medicinal properties of naturally sourced biomolecules, such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract, are documented in the traditional Indian and Chinese medical systems. However, limited work is performed to assess the potential of ginger extracts for bone–tissue engineering. Our work demonstrates the direct incorporation of ginger extract on iron oxide–magnesium oxide (Fe2O3 and MgO) co‐doped hydroxyapatite (HA) for enhancement in the biological properties. The addition of Fe2O3 and MgO co‐doping system and ginger extract with HA increases the osteoblast viability up to ∼1.4 times at day 11. The co‐doping does not adversely affect the release of ginger extract from the graft surface in the biological medium at pH 7.4 for up to 28 days. Assessment of antibacterial efficacy according to the modified ISO 22196: 2011 standard method indicates that the combined effects of Fe2O3, MgO, and ginger extract lead to ∼82% more bacterial cell reduction, compared to the control HA against Staphylococcus aureus. These ginger extract‐loaded artificial bone grafts with enhanced biological properties may be utilized as an on‐site delivery vehicle for various bone–tissue engineering applications.