Fabrication of FSP/nHAP-Based Monolayer/Bilayer Membranes for Drug
Carrier Applications
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biomaterial commonly used as a regenerative
scaffold in bone, dental, and connective tissue engineering. Fish scales
are a valuable source of hydroxyapatite due to their natural
composition. In this study, fish scale waste was effectively converted
into fish scale powder (FSP), which served as a viable source of
hydroxyapatite. Subsequently, fish scale powder (FSP) combined with
nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) was used to produce dental membranes as
monolayers/bilayers. The physical and chemical characterization of the
membranes was performed using various techniques, such as Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis
(XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy
dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and mapping analysis. These
membranes were loaded with methotrexate (MTX), and the MTX release after
30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry.
The data showed that the amount of MTX released increased over time, and
the membranes exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies ranging from
81.47% to 96.43% at 240 minutes. These novel biocompatible and
cost-effective membranes have significant potential for various
applications in dentistry and related fields, improving the efficiency
of the healing process by increasing the amount of drug released over
time.