Preparation and Characterization of α-Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate (CSH)/Marine Shells Scaffold with Cervus and Cucumis Polypeptide Composite Biomaterials for Bone Reconstruction

Abstract

Objective: Calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate and Cervus and Cucumis Polypeptide have been widely used for bone reconstruction. However, each of them has limitations. We aim to prepare and evaluate the safety and biocompatibility of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH)/marine shells scaf- fold with cervus and cucumis polypeptide composites. Methods: α-CSH/marine shell scaffold with cervus and cucumis polypeptide composite was first prepared by chemical coprecipitation and the hydrothermal method. The cell morphology and proliferation in L929 fibroblasts and bone marrow stromal cells were tested by MTT assay. Phase composition and microstructure of the composites was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo Tox- icity tests indicated that composites are biocompatible and can be used as a safe bone implant in SD rats. Results: The structure, morphology and properties of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH)/marine shells scaffold with cervus and cucumis polypeptide composites are characterized. The compressive strength of the composite was more than 6MPa which is adequate for clinical needs. The morphology of L929 fibroblasts and bone marrow stromal cells remain normal and could proliferate rapidly. Remarkably, the composites showed good biocompatibility in vivo since no toxicity and irritation effects were observed in rat muscles. Conclusion: Our study first prepared α-CSH/marine shell scaffold with cervus and cucumis polypeptide composites and proved its good biocompatibility, which is a desirable and suitable material for bone tissue engineering.