Development of Composite Scaffolds Based on Cerium Doped-Hydroxyapatite and Natural Gums—Biological and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a ceramic material composing the inorganic portion of bones. Ionic substitutions enhance characteristics of HAp, for example, calcium ions (Ca2+) by cerium ions (Ce3+). The use of HAp is potentialized through biopolymers, cashew gum (CG), and gellan gum (GG), since CG/GG is structuring agents in the modeling of structured biocomposites, scaffolds. Ce-HApCG biocomposite was synthesized using a chemical precipitation method. The obtained material was frozen (–20 °C for 24 h), and then vacuum dried for 24 h. The Ce-HApCG was characterized by X-Ray diffractograms (XRD), X-ray photoemission spectra (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD and FTIR showed that Ce-HApCG was successfully synthesized. XRD showed characteristic peaks at 2θ = 25.87 and 32.05, corresponding to the crystalline planes (0 0 2) and (2 1 1), respectively, while phosphate bands were present at 1050 cm−1 and 1098 cm−1, indicating the success of composite synthesis. FESEM showed pores and incorporated nanostructured granules of Ce-HApCG. The mechanical test identified that Ce-HApCG has a compressive strength similar to the cancellous bone’s strength and some allografts used in surgical procedures. In vitro tests (MTT assay and hemolysis) showed that scaffold was non-toxic and exhibited low hemolytic activity. Thus, the Ce-HApCG has potential for application in bone tissue engineering.

Superabsorbent Hydrogels Based to Polyacrylamide/Cashew Tree Gum for the Controlled Release of Water and Plant Nutrients

“…After 48 h, the amount the alive nauplii remained above 50.0%, confirming the non-toxicity of all the samples. As described by the literature, the CG polysaccharide and PAM do not exhibit significant toxicity [ 29 , 83 ]. Acrylamide is a water-soluble substance and has high toxicity [ 84 ].…”

3D Printable Composite Biomaterials Based on GelMA and Hydroxyapatite Powders Doped with Cerium Ions for Bone Tissue Regeneration

“…Moreover, the substitution with cerium ions improves the chemical and biological properties of calcium phosphates but can also have an antibacterial action inhibiting the development of pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). Several research studies also suggested that cerium ions had a positive effect on the processes of proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts [10,11].…”

“…Additionally, the highest level of cell viability and proliferation were observed for GelMA-HC5 composite, in comparison with GelMA-HC1 composite (p < 0.01). Previous studies [10] investigated the effect of doped-hydroxyapatite containing 5% (w/w%) cerium, cashew gum and gellan gum in contact with rabbit mesenchymal stem cells. The results showed that the proposed scaffold supported cell viability and cell growth, that are suitable for bone regeneration applications.…”

Studies of the Tarragon Essential Oil Effects on the Characteristics of Doped Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Biocomposites

“…Therefore, in order to confer good antimicrobial properties, into the hydroxyapatite structure may be introduced metallic ions, such as zinc, cerium, silver, etc. [8][9][10][11][12]. Among these, zinc ions play an important role in the bone physiology [13] involved in processes such as bone development and DNA replication [7].…”