Synthesis and Cytocompatibility of Collagen/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

Collagen/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffolds were prepared by in situ precipitation and freeze-drying approach. The synthesized collagen/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were characterized using various modalities. It was revealed that the inorganic phase in the nanocomposite was carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite with low crystallinity. Morphology studies showed the uniform distribution of hydroxyapatite particles in the collagen hydrogel. In addition, hydroxyapatite particles were gradually becoming irregular enough and the surface morphology had more wrinkles with the increase of inorganic component. Morphology, mechanical properties and cell biocompatibility of the prepared nanocomposite scaffolds were evaluated. The scaffolds presented a well-developed macropore structure with a pore size ranging from 100 to 200 mu m and the pore size of scaffold can also be regulated by changing the organic/inorganic weight ratio. Furthermore, the growth of MG63 cells on scaffolds showed they could significantly promote the proliferation of cells and could be potential candidate for bone engineering applications. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers