Preparation and evaluation of biomimetric nano-hydroxyapatite-based composite scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering

In the present study,novel biomimetic composite scaffolds with a composition similar to that of natural bone were prepared,using nano-hydroxyapatite,collagen,and phosphatidylserine.The scaffolds possess an interconnected porous structure with a porosity of 84%.The pore size ranges from several micrometers up to about 400 m.In-vitro studies in simulated body fluids showed that the morphologies of the products derived from mineralization can be regulated by the extracellular matrix components of the scaffolds;this in turn leads to creation of a large number of hydroxyapatite crystals on the scaffold surface.The regulatory properties of collagen and phosphatidylserine also influenced the cell response to the composite scaffolds.MC3T3-E1 cells attached and spread on the surfaces of the materials and interacted with the substrates;this may be the result of charged groups on the composite materials.Radiological analysis suggested that calluses and bone bridges formed in defects within 12 weeks.These composite scaffolds may therefore be a suitable replacement in bone-tissue engineering.