Synthesis and characterization of macroporous chitosan/calcium phosphate composite scaffolds for tissue engineering

Abstract

Chitosan scaffolds reinforced by beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and calcium phosphate invert glass were fabricated with a low-cost, bioclean freeze-drying technique via thermally induced phase separation. The microstructure, mechanical performance, biodegradation, and bioactivity of the scaffolds were studied. The composite scaffolds were macroporous, and the pore structures of the scaffolds with beta-TCP and the glass appeared very different. Both the compressive modulus and yield strength of the scaffolds were greatly improved, and reinforced microstructures were achieved. The bioactivity tests showed a continuous decrease in both Ca and P concentrations of a simulated body fluid (SBF) after the scaffolds with beta-TCP were immersed in the SBF for more than 20 h, which suggests that an apatite layer might be formed on the scaffolds. However, the same was not observed for the pure chitosan scaffolds or the scaffolds incorporated with the glass. This was further confirmed by micrographs from scanning electron microscopy. This study suggests that the desirable pore structure, biodegradation rate, and bioactivity of the composite scaffolds might be achieved through controlling the ratio of chitosan and calcium phosphates or beta-TCP and the glass.

Calcium orthophosphate-based biocomposites and hybrid biomaterials

“…Chitosan was also used as the matrix for the incorporation of b-TCP by a solid/liquid phase separation of the polymer solution and subsequent sublimation of the solvent. Due to complexation of the functional groups of chitosan with calcium ions of b-TCP, these biocomposites had a better compressive modulus and strength [397]. PCL/b-TCP biocomposites were developed as well [398][399][400][401] and their in vitro degradation behavior was systematically monitored by immersion in simulated body fluid at 37°C [400].…”

Chitosan Films: A Potential Local Drug Delivery System for Antibiotics

“…Chitosan is biodegradable and biocompatible and is becoming more prevalent in the drug delivery arena [1,7,17,19,25,40,43]. Chitosan has been used as a material incorporated into implantable scaffolds in several studies [39,[41][42][43]. Further studies demonstrate chitosan is bacteriostatic and enhances wound healing rates [8,19,25,35,38].…”

Development and in vitro characterisation of novel bioresorbable and bioactive composite materials based on polylactide foams and Bioglass® for tissue engineering applications

“…a regenerative allograft [2]. Numerous bioresorbable materials have been investigated as scaffolds for tissue engineering and tissue repair, including naturally occurring [3,4] and synthetic polymers [5][6][7][8]. Many practical advantages arise when using synthetic scaffolds because precise engineering of material composition and micro-and macrostructure is possible.…”