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A novel squid pen chitosan/hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate composite for bone tissue engineering
Amin Shavandi1, Alaa El-Din A Bekhit2, Zhifa Sun3
1Department of Food Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Applied Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Summary
Squid pen chitosan biocomposite scaffolds show promise for bone regeneration. These materials exhibit suitable structural properties, cytocompatibility, and support cell growth, indicating potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bone tissue engineering requires advanced biomaterials to facilitate bone regeneration.
- Biocomposite scaffolds offer a promising approach by combining natural polymers with ceramic components.
- Utilizing waste materials like mussel shells for calcium phosphates enhances sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize biocomposite scaffolds using squid pen chitosan, hydroxyapatite (HA), and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP).
- To evaluate the structural properties, biodegradation rate, and in vitro cytocompatibility of these novel scaffolds for bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Biocomposite scaffolds were fabricated with varying ratios of HA, β-TCP, and chitosan, using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linker and glycerol as a plasticizer.
- Structural properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microcomputed tomography (μCT).
- Biodegradation and cytocompatibility were assessed through in vitro incubation and cell culture studies with L929 and Saos-2 cells.
Main Results:
- The scaffolds exhibited a well-defined lamellar structure with an average pore size of 200 μm.
- Porosity decreased from 88% to 56% with increasing HA/β-TCP content.
- Approximately 30% degradation was observed after 28 days, and the composites demonstrated cytocompatibility, supporting cell growth.
Conclusions:
- Squid pen chitosan-based biocomposites incorporating HA and β-TCP are suitable for bone tissue engineering.
- These scaffolds possess favorable structural integrity, controlled degradation, and excellent cytocompatibility.
- The findings suggest significant potential for these materials in promoting bone regeneration.
