Structural and Morphological Characterization of Bovine Pericardium–Nigella sativa Composite using XRD and SEM

Abstract

This study investigated the characterization of a bovine pericardium membrane combined with 3% Nigella sativa extract as a potential biomaterial for the purpose of guided bone growth. Bovine pericardium has been widely used as a membrane in regenerative procedures due to its biocompatibility and favorable mechanical properties; however, its biological activity remains limited. The addition of Nigella sativa extract, known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, was expected to enhance the membrane’s biofunctional performance. Characterization of the modified membrane was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). SEM analysis demonstrated a well-distributed porous morphology that supports cellular adhesion and proliferation, while XRD results revealed a semi-crystalline structure, demonstrating the composite membrane's structural stability. The incorporation of Nigella sativa extract enhanced the membrane's biological properties without compromising its mechanical integrity or surface structure. Overall, the findings suggest that the bovine pericardium membrane enriched with Nigella sativa extract exhibits enhanced bioactivity and maintains the physical characteristics necessary for use in guided bone regeneration as a barrier membrane. This material shows potential as a biocompatible and multifunctional scaffold for periodontal and other regenerative applications, warranting further in vivo investigation to evaluate its clinical effectiveness and long-term performance.