title: Preparation and characterization of macroporous chitosan/wollastonite composite scaffolds for tissue engineering.
abstract: Chitosan/wollastonite composite scaffolds were prepared by a thermally induced phase separation method. The microstructure, mechanical performance and in vitro bioactivity of the composite scaffolds were investigated. The composite scaffolds were macroporous and wollastonite particles were dispersed uniformly on the surface of the pore walls. Scanning electron microscope images of the composite scaffolds demonstrated that the scaffolds had interconnected pores with diameters from 60 to 200 microm. Both the pore size and structure were affected by freezing temperature. The mechanical performance of the composite scaffolds was improved compared to that of pure chitosan scaffolds. The in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds was evaluated by soaking samples in simulated body fluid and the apatite layer was observed on the surface of the pore walls of the composite scaffolds. Our results suggest that the incorporation of wollastonite into chitosan could enhance both the mechanical strength and the in vitro bioactivity of the resultant composite. The macroporous chitosan/wollastonite scaffolds may be a potential candidate for application in tissue engineering.
authors.affiliation: Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1295 Dingxi Road, Shanghai 200050, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Jiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry*; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D005615:Freezing; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D008422:Materials Testing; D016062:Porosity; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D017640:Silicates; D048271:Chitosan; C031293:calcium silicate