Biopolymer-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Advanced Prosthetics

Biocompatibility in research and development of advanced prosthetics is a current problem faced by medical researchers. A major challenge in tissue engineering is to find materials and processing techniques that allow them to produce extracellular matrices (ECM) mimicking scaffolds that promote cell growth and organization into a specific architecture, inducing cell differentiation and subsequent cell function. The ideal tissue repair material thus should consist of synthetic biomaterials, such as natural polymers mimicking the mechanical and biological functionality of the ECM. Cellulose acetate membranes were used as scaffolds for microvascular cell growth. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a natural ceramic (responsible for strength and stability in the human skeletal system) operable as a biocomposite coating to improve the biocompatibility of implant substrates. In this work, HA was prepared from low cost natural calcium source - eggshells. Its structural properties were investigated by scanning (SEM), transmission (TEM) electron microscopies and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FF-IR). The composition analyses of HA were measured by the total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (TXRF) and by prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA). Hydroxyapatite added biodegradable scaffolds have been prepared by electrospinning method to enhance biological functionality. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009