Key Words:Nano-hydroxyapatite;Chitosan;Freeze-drying;Three-dimensional scaffold;Biocompatibility

Abstract:Hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HAp/CS) composites have been widely studied and applied in tissue engineering fields due to their excellent biocompatibility and degradability. However, to improve the mechanical properties of CS, cross-linking agents are commonly added, which will seriously affect its biocompatibility and safety. In this study, the homogenously dispersed nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) colloidal solution was first synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The three-dimensional porous nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (nHAp/CS) composite scaffolds with different nHAp contents were then obtained through an environmentally friendly freeze-drying process without any cross-linking. The microstructure, porosity, phase composition, swelling ratio, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of the nHAp/CS scaffolds were thoroughly investigated. The as-prepared nHAp/ CS scaffolds exhibited a high porosity and excellent swelling performance. Compared with pure CS scaffolds, the nHAp/CS composite scaffolds not only showed higher compressive modulus but also exhibited better bio- compatibility. This study provides a simple and environmentally friendly technique to construct three-dimen- sional porous nHAp/CS composite scaffolds, which demonstrate promising potential by being a scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.

Volume:110

Issue:0

Translation or Not:no