Nanohydroxyapatite synthesized from kombucha SCOBY and its effect on ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis in rats

Calcium phosphates, particularly hydroxyapatite, are the main inorganic compounds of vertebrate bone.In this study, nanohydroxyapatite was prepared using kombucha Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), and its effect was investigated on osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.  Kombucha-nanohydroxyapatite was synthesized by adding phosphoric acid to the kambucha scoby. Characterization of the nanoparticle was performed through X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Female rats were divided into 5 groups: control, ovariectomized groups, and three ovariectomized groups treated with concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of nanoparticles. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and activity of alkaline phosphatase were measured in the blood samples. Calcium and phosphorus levels were also measured in bone and liver. The bone was evaluated histopathologically. The synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite with particle size of 30 nm was confirmed through the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM techniques. A significant increase in calcium and phosphorus levels in the femur bone was observed in the ovariectomized group, which received the highest nanoparticle concentration compared to the ovariectomized group. Parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase activity inhibition were increased in ovariectomized rats following treatment with the highest nanoparticle concentration. In the mentioned group, bone trabeculae proliferation and increased lacuna-containing osteocytes were also observed. This study suggested that the highest concentration of kombucha-nanohydroxyapatite could be partially absorbed into bone tissues and recover the bone-destructive changes caused by ovariectomy, although additional experiments are needed for confirmation.