Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Novel Injectable Hydrogel Containing Quercetin and Silver Nanoparticles to Enhance Bone Formation

Introduction: This study aimed to ascertain the efficacy of a novel injectable hydrogel containing quercetin and silver nanoparticles incorporated with gelatin to enhance bone formation. Materials and Methods: The lyophilized material preparation involved creating a gel-based medium containing xenogenic bone graft Bio-Oss, silver nanoparticles, and quercetin, followed by freeze-drying and injection into rat femurs for antibacterial efficacy and structural property assessment via an MTT Assay. In vitro analysis included testing cell viability and antimicrobial properties. Swelling tests measured scaffold swelling ratios in a culture medium, providing insights into their performance. Animal studies were conducted involving surgical procedures to create bone defects and assess the efficacy of bone grafts on rat tibiae. Nano-computed tomographic imaging was used to evaluate changes in bone volume post-operation, providing detailed insights into alterations in trabecular content. An independent t-test was performed for statistical analysis. Results: No significant difference was found between groups with respect to cell viability and antimicrobial activity. There was maximum bone volume and trabecular width seen in the experimental group (426.54 ±34.78 mm3, 0.509 ± 0.023 mm), followed by the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Discussion: Injectable hydrogels, containing mesenchymal stem cells and bioactive substances, have been developed to improve bone growth in atrophic dental ridges, with promising results in antimicrobial properties and infection control. Conclusion: The study shows that the application of this injectable hydrogel helped in enhancing bone formation.