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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
Preparation, characterization and in vitro test of composites poly-lactic acid/hydroxyapatite scaffolds for bone
Francesco Carfì Pavia1, Gioacchino Conoscenti2, Silvia Greco2
1DICAM, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze building 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy; ATeN center, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze building 18A, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
In this work, the possibility to produce composite Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)/Hydroxyapatite (HA) porous scaffolds via Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) for bone tissue engineering applications was investigated. Several PLLA/HA wt/wt ratios (95/5, 90/10, 70/30, 50/50, 34/66) were tested and the as-obtained scaffolds were characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy, Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, Gas Pycnometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and mechanical compression test. Morphological analysis revealed an open structure with interconnected pores and HA particles embedded in the polymer matrix. Finally, cell cultures were carried out into the composite scaffolds in order to evaluate the effect of HA on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells, showing a higher alkaline phosphatase activity on composite scaffolds compared to neat PLLA ones.
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