Fast preparation of free-standing nanohydroxyapatite-vertically aligned carbon nanotube scaffolds

We present a simple, low cost, and fast method to produce free-standing nanohydroxyapatite/carbon-based scaffolds. We electrodeposited nanohydroxyapatite onto vertically aligned carbon nanotube flakes and reticulated vitreous carbon bars. We prepared a highly crystalline and homogeneous thin film without any post-thermal treatment, and our results evidence that we can control the nanohydroxyapatite crystal formation according to the substrate employed. Immersion tests using simulated body fluid showed that these new nanobiomaterials had in vitro bioactivity. The free-standing nanohydroxyapatite/carbon-based scaffolds have been shown to be a suitable surface for mesenchymal stem cell adhesion with active formation of membrane projections and cell monolayer formation.