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Development of nano-sized hydroxyapatite reinforced composites for tissue engineering scaffolds

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Abstract

Nano-sized hydroxyapatite (nanoHA) reinforced composites, mimicking natural bone, were produced. Examination by transmission electron microscopy revealed that the nanoHA particles had a rod-like morphology, 20–30 nm in width and 50–80 nm in length. The phase composition of hydroxyapatite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The nanoHA particles were incorporated into poly-2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (PHEMA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix to make new nanocomposites: nanoHA-PHEMA/PCL. Porous nanocomposite scaffolds were then produced using a porogen leaching method. The interconnectivity of the porous structure of the scaffolds was revealed by non-destructive X-ray microtomography. Porosity of 84% was achieved and pore sizes were approximately around 300–400 μm. An in vitro study found that the nanocomposites were bioactive as indicated by the formation of a bone-like apatite layer after immersion in simulated body fluid. Furthermore, the nanocomposites were able to support the growth and proliferation of primary human osteoblast (HOB) cells. HOB cells developed a well organized actin cytoskeletal protein on the nanocomposite surface. The results demonstrate the potential of the nanocomposite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications for bone repair.

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Acknowledgement

Financial support from the EC for the DISC project (G5RD-CT-2000–00267) and EPSRC UK are gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ, UK

    Jie Huang, Yu Wan Lin, Xiao Wei Fu, Serena M. Best & William Bonfield

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, UK

    Jie Huang

  3. Orthopaedic Research Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Box 180, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK

    Roger A. Brooks & Neil Rushton

Authors
  1. Jie Huang
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  2. Yu Wan Lin
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  3. Xiao Wei Fu
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  4. Serena M. Best
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  5. Roger A. Brooks
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  6. Neil Rushton
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  7. William Bonfield
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Correspondence to Jie Huang.

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Huang, J., Lin, Y.W., Fu, X.W. et al. Development of nano-sized hydroxyapatite reinforced composites for tissue engineering scaffolds. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 18, 2151–2157 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-007-3201-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-007-3201-8

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