Biomimetic hydroxyapatite micro-tube tissue scaffold

The aim of this study was to fabricate a micro-tube scaffold using a biomimetic method (immersion in Simulated Body Fluid, SBF) to coat apatite on cotton fibres. The cotton fibres were first pre-treated using a phosphorylation technique and then apatite crystals were deposited on the fibres by immersing in SBF. Micro-tubes were then formed by burning out the cotton fibres at various temperatures between 950-1250 degrees C. The scaffolds were fabricated by compaction of the micro-tubes in a mould. The compacted micro-tubes were then sintered at various temperatures between 900-1200 degrees C. The biocompatibility and the effects of the surface morphology of scaffolds on cell coverage and proliferation were determined using osteoblast cell culture. The results showed that these scaddolds were biocompatible and able to support cell growth. Future studies include animal studies for biomimetic tissue scaffold as a bone filler substitute material.