Development of nano-sized hydroxyapatite reinforced composites for tissue engineering scaffolds.
Nano-sized hydroxyapatite (nanoHA) reinforced composites, mimicking natural bone, were produced. Examination by transmission electron microscopy revealed that the nanoHA particles had a rod-like morphology, 20-30 nm in width and 50-80 nm in length. The phase composition of hydroxyapatite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The nanoHA particles were incorporated into poly-2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix to make new nanocomposites: nanoHA-PHEMA/PCL. Porous nanocomposite scaffolds were then produced using a porogen leaching method. The interconnectivity of the porous structure of the scaffolds was revealed by non-destructive X-ray microtomography. Porosity of 84% was achieved and pore sizes were approximately around 300-400 microm. An in vitro study found that the nanocomposites were bioactive as indicated by the formation of a bone-like apatite layer after immersion in simulated body fluid. Furthermore, the nanocomposites were able to support the growth and proliferation of primary human osteoblast (HOB) cells. HOB cells developed a well organized actin cytoskeletal protein on the nanocomposite surface. The results demonstrate the potential of the nanocomposite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications for bone repair.
Huang
Jie
J
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK.
Lin
Yu Wan
YW
Fu
Xiao Wei
XW
Best
Serena M
SM
Brooks
Roger A
RA
Rushton
Neil
N
Bonfield
William
W
D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D017886:Durapatite / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D017886:Durapatite