Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Potential Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite Biocomposites

Abstract

The incorporation of calcium phosphate in a polymer matrix for composites production combines the flexibility of the polymers with the resistance, hardness and bioactivity of the inorganic phase. This study aimed to obtain rigid biocomposites using hydroxyapatite as mineral phase and chitosan as a polymer binder for the application as a biomaterial. To obtain the biocomposites, hydroxyapatite was added under constant stirring to a solution of chitosan in order to satisfy a 70:30 (HA/CS) ratio. XRD results showed no significant change in the profile of hydroxyapatite with the incorporation of chitosan. The analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the biocomposite HA/CS, indicated that there was an excellent dispersion of HA particles in the polymeric matrix. Infrared Spectroscopy with Fourier Transform (FTIR) analysis proved an existing interaction between chitosan and hydroxyapatite. The biocompatibility of biocomposites HA/CS was confirmed by the MTT assay. It is considered that the present biocomposites are a promising biomaterial for trabecular bone grafting