Development of a novel reinforced scaffold based on chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals/halloysite nanotubes for curcumin delivery

Chitosan, cellulose nanocrystals, and halloysite nanotubes in the presence of calcium cations were used to fabricate a three-dimensional nanocomposite scaffold. The FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that formation of the network and incorporation of halloysite nanotubes into it were successful. FESEM images showed that the addition of higher amounts of halloysite nanotubes into the scaffold's matrix leads to more and smaller pores. The addition of halloysite nanotubes enhanced the thermal stability, mechanical characteristics, water uptake, and degradation rate of the nanocomposite scaffold. The nanocomposite scaffold represented good biomineralization, great cell proliferation, and acceptable cell attachment. Furthermore, the capability of the nanocomposite scaffold for curcumin delivery was approved through cell proliferation, cumulative release, and antibacterial studies. Cell proliferation of the nanocomposite with 10 wt% curcumin-loaded halloysite nanotubes reached around 175% after 72 h. Considering the results, the prepared nanocomposite scaffold holds great potential for being used in bone tissue engineering applications.