Fabrication and Characterization of PLLA/Chitosan/Nano Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds by Freeze-Casting Technique

Abstract

In this research, nanocomposite scaffolds of chitosan/PLLA/nano calcium phosphate (average crystallite size of 16.5 nm) have been prepared via the freeze-casting method and then characterized. The effects of nano powder contents on the structure of scaffolds were investigated to provide an appropriate nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering applications. The results showed that the scaffolds had high porosity (up to 98%) with open pores of 80–380 μm in diameter. It was also shown that the porosity increased with decreasing nano powder content. Furthermore, the bioactive nano calcium phosphate was homogenously distributed within the polymeric matrix of scaffolds, which contained up to 40% of nano powder. Microstructure studies showed that the pores were distributed very well throughout the structures. This macropores structure with interconnected pores provides the properties of scaffolds required for bone tissue engineering applications.

Graphene functionalized decellularized scaffold promotes skin cell proliferation

“…The porous scaffolds’ swelling behaviour was calculated from experimental measurements of weight using Equation . First, the weight of the dry constructs was measured, and the samples were then immersed in a PBS solution (pH 7.4) for different time intervals and were weighed again to study the water uptake ability of the scaffolds versus time: where W s and W d are the weights of the swollen and dry samples, respectively . All of the experiments were performed three times and average values were obtained.…”

“…where W s and W d are the weights of the swollen and dry samples, respectively. [31] All of the experiments were performed three times and average values were obtained.…”

Bioceramics in the Realm of History

“…In the 1990s, Bonfield et al first proposed the use of bioceramics as filler in polymeric composites to improve their mechanical performance, including a better strength, toughness and plasticity, and graded mechanical stiffness [23]. Many kinds of hybrid composite scaffolds are now being used, and the research in this field is highly active [24,25]. As a new strategy, the functionality of these constructs can be enhanced by localized delivery of appropriate biological molecules incorporated within biodegradable nanoparticles [26].…”

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline forsterite coated poly(l-lactide-co-β-malic acid) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

“…These scaffolds, as the substrates for cells, need good cell affinity and controllable degradation rate to match the cell attachment and spreading [4]. Various types of tissue engineering scaffolds are derived from poly(α-hydroxyl acids) (PHAs) such as poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) or poly(lactic acid) (PLA) [5][6][7][8][9][10]. According to Yang et al [11], the cell response to the PHA scaffolds is not resembling natural processes and nutrient fluids cannot effectively penetrate into the constructs.…”