Metal-based putty implant functionalized with copper nanoparticles for bone tissue regeneration

This study developed and evaluated a sodium alginate/hydroxyapatite/copper nanoparticle (SA/HA/CuNPs) putty implant for bone tissue engineering. The green-synthesized CuNPs product was characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, and FESEM analyses. The putty implant exhibited a porous structure, enhanced biomineralization, antioxidant activity, and strong antibacterial effects against gram-positive (22.4 ± 1.2 mm) and gram-negative (19.8 ± 1.0 mm) bacteria. Mechanical testing showed tensile and compressive strengths of 8.6 ± 0.5 MPa and 14.2 ± 0.8 MPa, respectively. Cytocompatibility studies demonstrated >86% cell viability and favorable live/dead staining results. Overall, the SA/HA/CuNP implant showed promising potential for bone regeneration applications.