Preparation of a biomimetic nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering via mineralization of gelatin hydrogel and study of mineral transformation in simulated body fluid

In this study, double diffusion method in a physiologically relevant environment was used to prepare a biomimetic gelatin-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomposite scaffold. The precipitated calcium phosphate within gelatin as well as produced nanocomposite scaffolds were characterized by the commonly used bulk techniques. The results showed that nanocomposite scaffolds were porous with three-dimensionally interconnected microstructure, pore size ranging from 150 to 350 mu m. Porosity was about 82% and nanocrystalline precipitated minerals were dispersed evenly among gelatin fibers. A mineral containing amorphous calcium phosphate and brushite precipitate was formed within the gelatin matrix at 4 degrees C. After incubation in SBF solution at 37 degrees C for 5 days, the mineral phase was transformed to nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. It should be noted that precursor phases inside a scaffold implanted into the body can result in biomimetic conversion of precursors to hydroxyapatite that is very similar to the bone mineral and has a profound level of biocompatibility. Thus, our results highlight the potential use of engineered biomimetic bone tissue scaffolds in the bone tissue repair process. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2012.