Abstract

The current study aimed to obtain a calcium-containing, biocompatible drug based on chitosan Bombyx mori. Composites of Chitosan (CS) Bombyx mori with hydroxyapatite (HA) in the ratio of CS/HA = 50:50 mass percentage were synthesized in situ conditions at Ca/P = 1.67 mol with intensive stirring for one hour at a speed of 1400 rpm and a temperature of 40 ± 2ºС. It was revealed that the components form an intermediate complex through �N-Ca, O-Ca, O (glycosidic bond)�Ca, H�O-bonds interacted by electrostatic forces. Atomic force microscopy studies indicated particles in the 100-50 nm size range on the polymer matrix surface. The polymer matrix prevented the growth of HA crystals and particle agglomeration. It was also determined that the CS/HA composite was non-toxic, and the LD50 was more than 5000 mg/kg. The composites were introduced into the chickens� diet in groups for 30 days at 25 to 40 mg/kg doses. The findings indicated an increased survival rate of chickens by 100, improved the morphological parameters of the blood, and enhanced the contents of calcium, phosphorus, and hemoglobin. The addition of CS/HA=50:50 mass percentage contributed to an increase in the number of erythrocytes in the blood of broilers and hemoglobin by 11-12. It should be noted that CS/HA did not adversely affect other morphological parameters of chicken blood. Therefore, CS/HA is recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis and osteomalacia in broiler chickens. © 2023, Journal of World''s Poultry Research. All Rights Reserved.