Microwave-Assisted MXene-Ziziphus jujuba Fruit Mucilage-PVA Superporous Hydrogel: Comprehensive Physicochemical Characterization and In Vitro/In Vivo Studies

Abstract

The development of multifunctional biomaterials with favorable physicochemical and biointerface properties remains an essential challenge in regenerative medicine. In this study, a superporous hydrogel nanocomposite was fabricated via microwave-assisted redox polymerization using Ziziphus jujuba fruit mucilage (Ber) and polyvinyl alcohol as the polymeric matrix, with MXene nanosheets incorporated to enhance structural and interfacial characteristics. Multiple hydrogel formulations were prepared by varying mucilage content, and an optimized formulation (G2) was selected based on swelling behavior and porosity. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization demonstrated a stable crosslinked network with a semicrystalline structure, improved thermal stability, and suitable surface wettability. The developed hydrogel exhibited good hemocompatibility, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Zebrafish-based acute toxicity studies confirmed biosafety, while tail regeneration screening indicated an enhanced general regenerative response compared with controls. These findings establish the material's physicochemical robustness and preliminary biological performance, supporting its potential as a regenerative biomaterial platform and warranting further bone-specific in vitro and in vivo investigations.