Anethum graveolens-Mediated Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated in Bone Shell Scaffolds: In Vitro Evaluation of Osteogenic and Antimicrobial Properties

Antibacterial activity, Bone shell scaffold, Bone regeneration, Green synthesis, Osteogenic differentiation, Zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Luay A. Hussein1*
B.D.S, MSc, PhD Candidate of Oral
Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial
Department, College of Dentistry, Hawler
Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan
Region, Iraq
Email: [email protected]

Othman A. Omar2
B.D.S, FIBMS, Oral and Maxillofacial
Department, College of Dentistry, Hawler
Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan
Region, Iraq

Azeez A. Barzinjy3
Department of Physics, Faculty of
Science, Soran University, Kurdistan
region, Iraq/ Department of Physics
Education, Faculty of Education, Tishk
International University, Erbil, Iraq

*Corresponding author:
Luay Ahmed Hussein
B.D.S, MSc, PhD candidate of oral
surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial
Department, Hawler Medical University,
College of Dentistry, Erbil, Kurdistan
Region, Iraq
Email: [email protected]

Received: 06-04-2026
Revised: 18-05-2026
Accepted:13-06-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34 (7s), 1244–1259

Anethum graveolens-Mediated Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated in Bone Shell Scaffolds: In Vitro Evaluation of Osteogenic and Antimicrobial Properties

Objectives: To synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Anethum graveolens extract via a green approach, coat them onto cortical bone shell scaffolds, and evaluate their physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and antimicrobial activity compared with commercial ZnO NPs. Methods: Green ZnO NPs were synthesized using A. graveolens extract and characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis, BET, EDS, and zeta potential analyses. Nanoparticles were coated onto cortical bone plates. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus were assessed. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using an MTT assay in MG-63 cells. Osteogenic activity was examined by real-time PCR analysis of ALP, COL1, and OCN expression and by Alizarin Red S staining. Results: Green ZnO NPs exhibited nanoscale size, porous morphology, mesoporous structure, and improved colloidal stability. Coating of cortical bone scaffolds was successfully confirmed. Compared with commercial ZnO NPs, green ZnO NPs showed lower cytotoxicity, enhanced expression of osteogenic markers, greater matrix mineralization, and stronger antibacterial and antibiofilm effects, particularly against S. aureus. Conclusions: Green-synthesized ZnO NPs demonstrated favorable physicochemical characteristics, superior biocompatibility, enhanced osteogenic performance, and improved antimicrobial activity, supporting their potential as bioactive coatings for bone tissue engineering applications.

1. INTRODUCTION Bone defects from trauma, tumors, infection, or birth defects make reconstructive surgery difficult. Bone can regrow, but large defects require surgery. Autografts, the standard treatment, are limited by donor site, availability, immune rejection, and disease risk (1,2). These limitations have encouraged the development of advanced biomaterials that mimic the natural bone microenvironment and promote faster healing. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as an important approach in tissue engineering, since nanoparticles with sizes of 1–100 nm possesses unique physicochemical properties, including a high surface-to-volume ratio, increased reactivity, and enhanced interactions with cells, all of which can improve tissue regeneration (3). Nano material-based scaffolds improve osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, improving bone regeneration (4). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are popular due to their biocompatibility, stability, and multifunctionality. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publication Services LLC

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