Silica‐Based Hybrids Incorporating a Natural Antioxidant for Enhanced Tissue Regeneration

A promising strategy for obtaining a hybrid material that entraps a natural antioxidant is the sol–gel synthesis method to be applied in the healthcare sector. A SiO2 matrix incorporating the flavonoid quercetin is synthesized using a hydroalcoholic environment using either nitric acid as a catalyst or achieving the same synthesis without acid. The hybrid materials are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to investigate the structure of the inorganic matrix and the interaction with the natural compound. The synthesis induces alterations in the structure of quercetin, both in the presence of acid and in an acid-free environment, with potential implications for quercetin beneficial activity. A bioactivity test, following the protocol established by Kokubo et al. (Biomaterials, vol. 27, p. 2907, 2006) was conducted on hybrid materials. The results, analyzed via FTIR and EDS/SEM, confirmed the materials ability to induce hydroxyapatite formation on the silica surface. These findings suggest the potential application of these hybrid materials in tissue regeneration, leveraging the antioxidant, and immunoprotected properties of the incorporated molecule to mitigate postimplantation complications.