Biomimetic multicomponent polysaccharide/nano-hydroxyapatite composites for bone tissue engineering

Nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan-pectin (nHCP) composite was prepared via mineralization of a chitosan-pectin network. Then nHCP/chitosan-gelatin (nHCP/CG) scaffolds were prepared via the blending of nHCP and chitosan-gelatin solution. Results suggested that nHCP/CG scaffolds have appropriate porosity, water absorption ability and degradation behaviors. nHCP can be fused into the pore wall of nHCP/CG scaffold via chemical crosslinking interactions, which avoids the agglomeration and migration of nHA particles. Moreover, the compressive strength of nHCP/CG scaffold ranges from 10.4 +/- 1.64 to 13.5 +/- 3.85 MPa. nHCP/CG scaffolds have stable physical and chemical structures, which can provide appropriate microenvironments for cells to attach and proliferate for MC 3T3-E1 cells. Therefore, nHCG/CG is a potential biomaterial in bone tissue engineering. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.