The Fabricated Collagen-based Nano- hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds

The biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) concept was introduced to overcome disadvantages of single phase biomaterials. In this study, we prepared BCP from nano HA and beta-TCP that were synthesized via a solid state reaction. Three different ratios of pure BCP and collagen-based BCP scaffolds (%HA/%beta-TCP; 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50) were produced using a polymeric sponge method. Physical and mechanical properties of all materials and scaffolds were investigated. XRD pattern proved the purity of each HA, beta-TCP and BCP. SEM showed overall distribution of macropores (80-200 mu m) with appropriate interconnected porosities. Total porosity of pure BCP (93% +/- 2) was found to be higher than collagen-based BCP (85% +/- 3). It was observed that dimensional shrinkage of larger scaffold (39% +/- 4) is lower than smaller one (42% +/- 5) and scaffolds with higher HA (50%) ratio experienced greater shrinkage than those with higher beta-TCP (70%) ratio (45% +/- 3 and 36% +/- 1 respectively). Mechanical properties of both groups tend to be very low and collagen coating had no influence on mechanical behavior. Further studies may improve the physical properties of these composite BCP.