A Porous Scaffold from Bone-Like Powder Loaded in a Collagen–Chitosan Matrix

Abstract

Porous scaffolds that mimic both the structure and composition of natural bone were prepared. Nano-hydroxyapatite particles were first synthesized through deposition of minerals on self-assembled collagen fibrils. The porous scaffolds were then fabricated by loading the self-assembled nanohydroxyapatite–collagen composite powder into a cross-linked collagen–chitosan matrix. Porosity, mechanical properties, and composition of the scaffolds were studied. Biocompatibility was demonstrated by comparing in vitro osteoblastscultures, MTT assays, and alkaline phosphatase activity between the synthesized scaffolds and the control sample.