Cytotoxic Effect and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Hafnium Metal Based Composite: Two Sides of the Same Coin- An In vitro Study

Chitosan (CTS) is a biocompatible polymer that has been widely researched for tissue engineering purposes. It has demonstrated a significant role in bone tissue engineering in the last two decades. Being a natural polymer obtained from chitin, a major component of crustacean exoskeleton, it has varied uses. Lately, attention has been given to chitosan composite materials due to its minimal foreign body reactions, antibacterial nature, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to be molded into various shapes and forms. It can be used as porous structures, suitable for cell ingrowth and osteoconduction. The aim of this research was to assess the biocompatibility of a chitosan nanoparticle and hafnium metal-based composite and project its use for bone tissue engineering. In the present study, we have prepared chitosan nanoparticles and their based hafnium composite and it was analyzed for its cytotoxic effect using brine shrimp lethality assay and antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method. There was a significant difference between the concentrations used (p<0.01), when One way ANOVA statistical analysis was performed. The current study substantiates the antimicrobial activity and highlights the possible cytotoxicity of the CTS and hafnium composite.