Preparation and characterization of bioactive collagen/wollastonite composite scaffolds

A novel biodegradable collagen/wollastonite composite was prepared as three-dimensional scaffolds by freeze-drying method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of scaffolds showed a continuous structure of interconnected pores, and pore size was about 100 microm. The tensile strength of the scaffolds was improved by incorporation of wollastonite and the in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds was evaluated by examining the hydroxyapatite (HA) deposition on their surface in simulated body fluid (SBF). After soaking in SBF for 7 days, collagen reconstituted to fibers and HA nodules formed on collagen fibers. The result suggests that the incorporation of wollastonite could improve the mechanical strength and the in vitro bioactivity of the composite. The scaffolds could be a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.