Development of novel α-chitin/nanobioactive glass ceramic composite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 78; no. 4; pp. 926 - 931
• Main Authors: Peter, Mathew, Sudheesh Kumar, Pandian Thodi, Binulal, Nelson Sathy, Nair, Shanti V., Tamura, Hiroshi, Jayakumar, Rangasamy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 17.11.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles; Biological and medical sciences; Biomaterials; Chitin; Composite scaffolds; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Medical sciences; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Technology of polymers; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Tissue engineering; Bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles; Composite scaffolds; Chitin; Tissue engineering; Biomaterials; Biological properties; Biodegradability; Cytotoxicity; Porous material; Mineralization; Cell adhesion; Osteoblast; Biomaterial; Nanocomposite; Framework; Swelling; Biomineralization; Bioactive material; Experimental study; In vitro; Sol gel process; Morphology; Preparation; Oside polymer; Glass ceramics
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.07.016

Bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles (nBGC) were prepared by sol–gel technique. The novel chitin/nBGC composite scaffolds were prepared using chitin gel with nBGC by lyophilization technique. The prepared nBGC and composite scaffolds were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The composite scaffolds showed adequate porosity where the nBGC nanoparticles were homogenously distributed on the pore walls. The swelling, density, degradation and in vitro biomineralization capability of the composite scaffolds were also evaluated. The developed composite scaffolds showed adequate swelling and degradation properties along with its ability to become bioactive. Cytocompatability of the scaffolds was assessed using MTT assay, direct contact test and cell attachment studies. Results indicated no sign of toxicity and cells found to be attached to the pore walls offered by the scaffolds. These results suggested that the developed composite scaffold possess the prerequisites for tissue engineering scaffolds and it can be used for tissue engineering applications.