Accelerated Biomimetic Deposition of Bonelike Apatite on Fibrous Cellulose Templates

Abstract

Fibrous cellulose templates are attractive candidates for the use as tissue engineering scaffolds due to their biocompatibility and the adjustable porosity. Nevertheless, a direct bond between cellulose and bone is not formed under physiological conditions. A simulated body fluid solution with a high degree of supersaturation (5*SBF) was used to accelerate the biomimetic formation of bonelike apatite on cellulose templates. After generating calcium phosphate nuclei on the cellulose fibers in 5*SBF with high Mg2+and HCO3 - concentrations the cellulose templates were immersed in a modified 5*M-SBF which was optimized in respect to crystal growth kinetics by reduced Mg2+and HCO3- concentrations. After 48 hours a hydroxy carbonated apatite (HCA) layer with a thickness of 20 µm was obtained.