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Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
Osteoblast mineralization with composite nanofibrous substrate for bone tissue regeneration
Jayarama Reddy Venugopal1, Venkateshwarapuram Rengaswami Giri Dev, Thinakaran Senthilram
1Healthcare and Energy Materials Laboratory, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore. nnijrv@nus.edu.sg
Cell Biology International
|October 7, 2010
Summary
This study created a chitosan/hydroxyapatite nanofibrous scaffold for bone regeneration. The composite material significantly enhanced osteoblast cell mineralization, showing potential for bone tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Bone tissue engineering seeks synthetic materials to mimic bone's structure and function.
- Hydroxyapatite (HA) and chitosan (Chit) are promising biomaterials for bone regeneration.
- Developing composite scaffolds with enhanced osteoconductivity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a composite nanofibrous scaffold using chitosan and hydroxyapatite (Chit/HA) for bone tissue engineering.
- To evaluate the potential of the Chit/HA scaffold in supporting human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) proliferation and mineralization.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan/hydroxyapatite (80:25 wt%) composite was prepared and electrospun into nanofibrous scaffolds.
- Scaffolds were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
- Cell-material interactions were assessed via cell morphology, Alizarin Red-S staining for mineralization, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.
Main Results:
- Chit/HA nanofibres (510 ± 198 nm) were successfully fabricated, showing homogenous dispersion of HA nanoparticles.
- EDX analysis confirmed the presence of calcium and phosphorus in the scaffolds, essential bone mineral components.
- Significant increase (P<0.001) in mineralization (108%) was observed in Chit/HA scaffolds compared to pure chitosan scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- The electrospun Chit/HA nanofibrous scaffold is a promising biocomposite material for bone regeneration.
- The scaffold effectively supports human fetal osteoblast proliferation and mineralization.
- This material holds potential for enhancing bone tissue regeneration applications.

