Biomimetic synthesis of apatite - polyelectrolyte complex (chitosan - phosphorylated chitosan) hydrogel as an osteoblast carrier

Abstract

A novel three-dimensional scaffold of hydroxyapatite(HA)-polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composite hydrogel was synthesized by a biomimetic method. PEC hydrogel was formed from equal volumes of 1% phosphorylated chitosan in water and 1% chitosan in 1% acetic acid solution. This PEC hydrogel was soaked in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution for 4 d and then in accelerated calcification solution (ACS) for 7 d, both at 37 oC. The PEC hydrogel was a nano-composite material with multiple levels of hierarchical porosity; hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals nucleated and grew on the fiber surfaces of the hydrogel; Rat osteoblasts were then seeded in this three-dimensional scaffold of HA-PEC composite hydrogel, the three-dimensional scaffold of HA-PEC hydrogel revealed excellent biocompatibility.