Novel biomaterial composed of hydroxyapatite, magnetite and inoculation in scaffolds of chitosan for bone regeneration

Full text: Biomaterials such as polymers, ceramics, and metals are widely used in bone for regenerative therapies, including in bone grafts and in tissue engineering as well as for temporary or permanent implants [1]. With the objective of developing functionalized materials, so-called smart materials, containing bioactive molecules to directly influence cell behavior [2]. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a material very similar to the mineral component of bone. It is well established that osteoblasts grow better on HA-coated metals than on metals alone [3]. In this study, preparation of a new system consisting of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) encapsulated by HA and mixed in a chitosan matrix was made. HA and Fe₃O₄ were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The polymer matrix was synthesized using a chitosan solution 2%, allowed to stir for 2 hours. The final material was freeze dried to produce scaffolds. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), magnetization (VSM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Preliminary analysis of diffraction patterns obtained indicated characteristic peaks of HA and Fe₃O₄ compounds, as well as the bands presented in infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized Fe₃O₄ showed high saturation magnetization, 44emu/g approximately, which shows a great effectiveness of the method. The chitosan scaffolds showed considerable porosity shown in the images of the electron microscope (SEM). References: [1] Navarro, M., Michiardi, A., Castano, O., Planell J.A., J R Soc Interface. 2008;5(27):1137-1158. [2] Mieszawska AJ, Kaplan DL. BMC Biol. 2010; 8:59. [3] Webster TJ, Siegel RW, Bizios R. Biomaterials 1999;20:1221-7. (author)