[The characterization of scaffold made of N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan and tricalcium phosphate]

To study the mechanical and chemical characterization of scaffold made of N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (N,O-CMCS) and tricalcium phosphate(TCP) with various weight ratios.

Three composites of N,O-CMCS/TCP with weight ratios of 2:1,1:1 and 1:2 were mixed using the same volume of distilled water. The characteristic bands, morphologic structure, compressive strength and Young modulus of the composites were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (IR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and universal testing machine respectively.

The shift of IR characteristic bands of -COO(-)and -NH(2) to lower wave number was observed in three composites gradually, which resulted from the complexation of -COO(-) and -NH(2) with calcium ions. The pores of the three-dimensional porous structure and compressive strength of the composite increased when there were more N,O-CMCS in the composite. When there were more TCP in the composite, its porosity became less and Young modulus increased, so that the composite demonstrated more rigidity.

N,O-CMCS had the capability of complexing with calcium ions. The scaffold made of N,O-CMCS and TCP had the properties of three-dimensional porous structure, flexible remolding and mechanical strength, so it will be a promising biomaterial for bone substitute.