Nanofibrous polysaccharide hydroxyapatite composites with biocompatibility against human osteoblasts

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Regenerative medicine requires scaffolds that support cell growth and tissue development.
• Nanofiber composites show potential as advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering.
• Polysaccharide-based materials offer biocompatibility and tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop polysaccharide-based nanofibers with integrated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.
• To investigate the influence of processing conditions on nanofiber formation.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility of the developed scaffolds with human osteoblasts.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethylene oxide mixtures using a nozzle-less device.
• Incorporation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles into the nanofibers.
• Hydrophobization of nanofibers using alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA).
• Characterization of nanofiber morphology, chemical composition, and inorganic content.
• In vitro biocompatibility testing with human bone-derived osteoblasts.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of polysaccharide nanofibers with integrated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.
• Optimization of electrospinning parameters for nozzle-less fabrication.
• Hydrophobization rendered nanofibers insoluble in water.
• No significant reduction in osteoblast viability on carboxymethyl cellulose/polyethyleneoxide nanofibers.
• Comparable cell viability on hydrophobized nanofibers versus a commercial collagen/apatite matrix.

Conclusions:

• Developed polysaccharide nanofibers with hydroxyapatite are suitable for regenerative medicine scaffolds.
• The materials demonstrate good biocompatibility with human osteoblasts.
• Hydrophobized nanofibers maintain cell viability, indicating potential for in vivo applications.