Synthesis and biocompatibility evaluation of cellulose/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffold in 1-n-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride

This study aims to synthesize and characterize a biodegradable scaffold with a cellulose/nano-hydroxyapatite base for bone tissue engineering. At first, nano particles of hydroxyapatite were synthesized via precipitation method; furthermore scaffolds were fabricated by solvent casting/particulate leaching technique, where poly(methyl methacrylate) were utilized as porogen. The 1-n-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid was used for dissolution of cellulose as well. Scaffolds with 3 different compositions (5, 15, and 30 wt.% of nano-hydroxyapatite) had 85–90% porosity. Also, the morphology of the samples was studied employing SEM. Images showed that pore sizes of the scaffolds were nearly 250–450 μm. Meanwhile, sample bioactivity was determined via MTT assay and ALP test. Bioactivity and compatibility of the samples were confirmed; in addition, no toxicity was observed after 14 days. SEM studies demonstrated that the cells can attach to the surface of the nanocomposite samples. This behavior revealed osteoconductivity of the composite surface.