Development and Evaluation of Cichorium intybus Nanoparticles for Accelerated Bone Regeneration

Abstract

This study investigates the development and biological evaluation of Cichorium intybus (chicory) extract-loaded nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent for bone regeneration. Nanoparticles were synthesized using a green method and characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The nanoparticles exhibited an average size of 120–150 nm with a zeta potential of −32 mV, indicating excellent stability. In vivo studies using a rabbit tibial defect model showed that the Cichorium intybus nanoparticles accelerated bone regeneration compared to control groups. This study suggests that Cichorium intybus-derived nanoparticles offer a safe, eco-friendly, and effective solution for bone regeneration, combining the benefits of plant-based compounds with nanotechnology.