title: Chemical-physical characterization and in vitro preliminary biological assessment of hyaluronic acid benzyl ester-hydroxyapatite composite.
abstract: HYAFF11 is a biocompatible, biodegradable benzyl ester of hyaluronic acid. However, in order to use it for orthopedic application, its mechanical performance needs to be improved. In this study, a novel composite based on HYAFF11 polymer matrix reinforced with hydroxylapatite (HA) has been developed. Its advantage is having a similar component of the mineral phase of bone resulting in favorable osteoconductive properties. The present study has examined the compressive mechanical and surface chemical-physical properties of the novel HYAFF11-HA composite. Preliminary biological investigations, including pH and cytotoxicity studies of the material extracts, have also been performed using an in vitro primary human osteoblast-like cell model. Moreover, protein, especially fibronectin adsorption has been investigated following incubation in culture medium and human plasma. The results show a grainy surface topography composed mainly of C, P, and Ca, with a Ca/P atomic ratio indicating HA on the composite surface. Mechanical analysis shows an improvement of the compressive properties of HYAFF11 matrix, both in the dry and swollen states, with values in the range of that of spongy bone. No cytotoxic effects and no inhibition of cell proliferation have been observed in the presence of the material extracts with pH values within acceptable ranges for cell vitality. Protein studies reveal a similar pattern, but a higher amount of fibronectin following incubation in human plasma when compared with culture medium. The results show that the novel HYAFF11-HA composite shows a great potential for application in orthopedic fields, especially as vertebral trabecular bone substitute.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Giulio Natta, Polytechnic of Milan, Via L. Mancinelli 7-20131 Milan, Italy. carmen.giordano@polimi.it
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanginario
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ambrosio
authors.forename: L Di
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Silvio
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santin
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019245:Compressive Strength; D017886:Durapatite / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004952:Esters; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D004952:Esters; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D017886:Durapatite