Biomimetic Calcium Phosphate Crystal Mineralization on Electrospun Cellulose-Based Scaffolds

Abstract

Novel cellulose based-scaffolds were studied for their ability to nucleate bioactive calcium phosphate crystals for future bone healing applications. Cellulose-based scaffolds were produced by electrospinning cellulose acetate (CA) dissolved in a mixture of acetone/dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The resulting nonwoven CA mats containing fibrils with diameters in the range of 200 nm to 1.5 μm were saponified by NaOH/ethanol for varying times to produce regenerated cellulose scaffolds. Biomimetic crystal growth nucleated from the fiber surface was studied as a function of surface chemistry. Regenerated cellulose scaffolds of varying treatments were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Scaffolds that were treated with CaCl(2), a mixture of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and CaCl(2), and NaOH and CaCl(2), were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy to understand the growth of bioactive calcium phosphate (Ca-P) crystals as a function of surface treatment. The crystal structure of the nucleated Ca-P crystals had a diffraction pattern similar to that of hydroxyapatite, the mineralized component of bone. The study shows that the scaffold surface chemistry can be manipulated, providing numerous routes to engineer cellulosic substrates for the requirements of scaffolding.

Mineralization on polylactide/gelatin composite nanofibers using simulated body fluid containing amino acid

“…In vitro, that using electrospun nanofibers as substrates to induce biomimetic mineral formation from aqueous solutions has attracted wide interest from both academic and practical points [37]. In the biomineralization process of vertebrate hard tissues, however, some specific molecules are involved in the mineral deposition and have effect on the nucleation and growth of HA, resulting in formation of hierarchical structure with superior mechanical properties [38].…”

Biopolymer/Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…To mimic this charge attraction, biopolymers have been synthesized with negatively charged carboxylate and phosphate groups as a way to promote and control the mineralization process. [ 113 ] Incorporation of negatively charged carboxymethyllysine groups resulted in the formation of oriented crystals of octacalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite phases in one such example. [ 114 ] Biopolymer/CaP composite scaffolds obtained through biomimetic mineralization possess a two-level 3D structure with nanoscale apatite particles assembled on the surface of microscale biopolymer pores as shown in Figure 5 .…”

The Potential of Biomimetic Electrospun-Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…Furthermore mineralization with SBF solution indicated that cellulose scaffolds can be a good candidate for use as a bioactive substrate for bone tissue engineering applications. (Rodriguez et al, 2011) 33 Rusu et al produced HAp and chitosan hybrid fibrous composites using the electrospinning method. Pure chitosan is difficult to electrospin due to limited solubility, high viscosity, dielectric constant, and three-dimensional networks of strong hydrogen bonds.…”