In this study, an effective, biocompatible and biodegradable co-polymer comprising of chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels, chemically crosslinked and impregnated with doxazocin, is reported. The chemical structural properties of the hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and physical properties were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The swelling behaviour is an important parameter for drug release mechanism and was investigated to find out the solution absorption capacity of the synthesized hydrogels. MTT assay revealed that doxazocin loaded hydrogels significantly hindered the cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to analyse the effect of 8CLH and 4CLH on regulation of cell cycle. Moreover, in vivo anti-cancer potential of synthesized hydrogels was assessed by CAM Assay. Results displayed that 8CLH with 1mg/ml of doxazocin had prominently decreased the angiogenesis and significantly increased the number of cells in G1 phase of cell cycle. These results declared that 8CLH will be a good addition among hydrogels used for treatment of cancer by onsite delivery of drug.

In the current study, boric acid loaded chitosan (CS) and collagen-based hydrogels were prepared. Hydrogels with four different boric acid concentrations were prepared; control hydrogel (without boric acid), and a hydrogel having boric acid 50 mg (B50), 250 mg boric acid (B250) and 500 mg boric acid (B500). Internal morphology of hydrogel was determined by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Internal linkages of functional groups were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The pro-angiogenic potential of these materials was explored in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and 50 mg boric acid (B50) based hydrogel showed comparatively higher angiogenesis.

In the maxillofacial area, specifically the orbital floor, injuries can cause bone deformities in the head and face that are difficult to repair or regenerate. Treatment methodologies include use of polymers, metal, ceramics on their own and in combinations mainly for repair purposes, but little attention has been paid to identify suitable materials for orbital floor regeneration. Polyurethane (PU) and hydroxyapatite (HA) micro- or nano- sized with different percentages (25%, 40% & 60%) were used to fabricate bioactive tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds using solvent casting and particulate leaching methods. Mechanical and physical characterisation of TE scaffolds was investigated by tensile tests and SEM respectively. Chemical and structural properties of PU and PU/HA scaffolds were evaluated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Surface properties of the bioactive scaffold were analysed using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) sampling accessory coupled with IR. Cell viability, collagen formed, VEGF protein amount and vascularisation of bioactive TE scaffold were studied. IR characterisation confirmed the integration of HA in composite scaffolds, while ATR confirmed the significant amount of HA present at the top surface of the scaffold, which was a primary objective. The SEM images confirmed the pores’ interconnectivity. Increasing the content of HA up to 40% led to an improvement in mechanical properties, and the incorporation of nano-HA was more promising than that of micro-HA. Cell viability assays (using MG63) confirmed biocompatibility and CAM assays confirmed vascularization, demonstrating that HA enhances vascularization. These properties make the resulting biomaterials very useful for orbital floor repair and regeneration.

A novel way was adopted to graft zinc oxide (ZnO) with urethane-modified dimethacrylate (UDMA) in order to utilize them as reinforcing agents in resin-based dental composites. Experimental novel composites were synthesized having UDMA-grafted and nongrafted ZnO, at a concentration of 0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 10 wt.%. The same concentrations of ZnO were also incorporated in Filtek Z250 XT (3 M ESPE, USA). The antibacterial behavior was evaluated against Streptococcusmutansby direct-contact test at one, three, and seven days of incubation. The compressive strength and Vickers microhardness were tested as per ISO 9917 and ISO/CD6507-1, respectively. For abrasive wear resistance, mass loss and roughness average after tooth-brushing cycles of 24,000 at custom-made tooth-brushing simulator were evaluated using noncontact profilometer. Data analysis was carried out using post hoc Tucky’s test and nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test. Direct contact test revealed that the antibacterial potential of novel and commercial composites was increased with an increase in the concentration of grafted ZnO as compared with nongrafted, whereby the potential was the highest at day seven. There was a significant decrease in compressive strength and Vickers hardness of commercial composites on addition of grafted ZnO while there was no significant difference in the strength of experimental novel composite. The abrasive wear of commercial and experimental composites was within clinical limits. Low-temperature flow-synthesis method was successfully employed to synthesize grafted and nongrafted ZnO. The UDMA-grafted ZnO can be incorporated into dental composites without decreasing their strength and these composites can be used to combat secondary caries.